South Dakota is the #41 largest school system in the United States, serving 145,763 students across the 729 public schools for the 2026 school year (there are 90 private schools, serving 14,353 students). 91% of all K-12 students in South Dakota attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in South Dakota is 43%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 51%.
The top-ranked public schools in South Dakota are Challenge Center - 51, Adventure Elementary - 10, and Warner Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 42 Blue Ribbon Schools, and 18 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 33%, with the majority being American Indian and the student-teacher ratio is 14:1.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in South Dakota (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Challenge Center - 51
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 2-5
3101 S 4th Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 367-6170
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 367-6170
Rank: #22.
Adventure Elementary - 10
(Math: 86% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
27220 472nd Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
(605) 432-2567
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
(605) 432-2567
Rank: #33.
Warner Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
110 1st Ave Sw
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Rank: #44.
Fred Assam Elementary - 06
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-4
7700 E Willowwood St
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-1500
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-1500
Rank: #55.
Lake Preston Elementary - 02
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
300 1st St Ne
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4464
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4464
Rank: #66.
Howard High School - 01
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
500 N Section Line
Howard, SD 57349
(605) 772-5515
Howard, SD 57349
(605) 772-5515
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Arlington Jr. High - 03
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 10%)
Grades: 7-8
306 S Main St
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5598
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5598
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Faulkton Elementary - 02
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
1114 Court St
Faulkton, SD 57438
(605) 598-6266
Faulkton, SD 57438
(605) 598-6266
Rank: #7 - 97. - 9.
Whitewood Elementary - 04
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-5
603 Garfield St
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Rank: #1010.
Warner Middle School - 03
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: 6-8
110 1st Ave Sw
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Overview
This State (SD)
# Schools
729 Schools
# Students
145,763 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
10,615 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (SD)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
Graduation Rate
82%
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.53
# American Indian Students
20,862 Students
% American Indian Students
14%
# Asian Students
2,250 Students
% Asian Students
2%
# Hispanic Students
11,903 Students
% Hispanic Students
8%
# Black Students
4,727 Students
% Black Students
3%
# White Students
97,536 Students
% White Students
67%
# Hawaiian Students
197 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
8,288 Students
% of Two or more races Students
6%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (SD)
Total Revenue (23-24)
$1,916 MM
Spending (23-24)
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student (23-24)
$13,146
Spending / Student (23-24)
$12,647
Best South Dakota Public Schools by County (2026)
Popular neighborhoods: All Saints (5 schools), Beadie Greenway (2 schools), North End West (1 schools), Riverside (1 schools), Whittier (1 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in South Dakota?
The top-ranked public schools in South Dakota include Challenge Center - 51, Adventure Elementary - 10, and Warner Elementary - 02.
How many public schools are located in South Dakota?
729 public schools are located in South Dakota.
What percentage of students in South Dakota go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in South Dakota attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in South Dakota?
Minority enrollment in South Dakota is 33%, with the majority being American Indian.
Which public schools in South Dakota are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in South Dakota include: Piedmont Valley Elementary - 05 vs. Black Hawk Elementary - 03, George Mcgovern Middle School -09 vs. Memorial Middle School - 04, Stevens High School - 42 vs. Central High School - 41
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