South Dakota is the #41 largest school system in the United States, serving 146,041 students across the 734 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 92 private schools, serving 14,684 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 Lake Preston 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 19 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 33%, with the majority being American Indian and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(SD) School Average
American Indian
14%
Asian
2%
Hispanic
8%
Black
3%
White
67%
Two or more races
6%
Top Ranked Public Schools in South Dakota (2025)
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: #2 - 42. - 4.
Adventure Elementary - 10
(Math: 88% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 88% (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: #2 - 42. - 4.
Lake Preston Elementary - 02
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥90% (Top 1%)
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: #2 - 42. - 4.
Warner Elementary - 02
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
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: #55.
Fred Assam Elementary - 06
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
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: #66.
Inspiration Elementary - 08
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-4
3401 S Sparta Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-5890
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
(605) 582-5890
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Brandon Valley High School - 01
(Math: 72% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 72% (Top 5%)
Reading: 82% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
301 S Splitrock Blvd
Brandon, SD 57005
(605) 582-3211
Brandon, SD 57005
(605) 582-3211
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
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: #9 - 109. - 10.
Arlington Elementary - 02
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
306 S Main St
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5741
Arlington, SD 57212
(605) 983-5741
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
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
Best South Dakota Public Schools by County (2025)
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 Lake Preston Elementary - 02.
How many public schools are located in South Dakota?
734 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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