For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 265 students in Chester Area School District 39-1. This district's average high testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public high schools in South Dakota.
Public High Schools in Chester Area School District 39-1 have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 63% statewide average).
Public High School in Chester Area School District 39-1 have a Graduation Rate of 47%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 81%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Chester High School - 01, with ≥80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 2% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
7 Schools
218 Schools
# Students
542 Students
47,000 Students
# Teachers
38 Teachers
3,332 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
District Rank
Chester Area School District 39-1, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 45-49% has decreased from 50-54% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#61 out of 148 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
42%
Graduation Rate
45-49%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.05
0.54
# American Indian Students
n/a
8,926 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
19%
# Asian Students
n/a
669 Students
% Asian Students
n/a
1%
# Hispanic Students
5 Students
3,395 Students
% Hispanic Students
1%
7%
# Black Students
n/a
1,382 Students
% Black Students
n/a
3%
# White Students
528 Students
30,421 Students
% White Students
97%
65%
# Hawaiian Students
1 Student
65 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
8 Students
2,142 Students
% of Two or more races Students
2%
5%
Students by Grade:
# Students in PK Grade:
31
35
# Students in K Grade:
36
247
# Students in 1st Grade:
20
370
# Students in 2nd Grade:
28
358
# Students in 3rd Grade:
26
247
# Students in 4th Grade:
25
245
# Students in 5th Grade:
28
270
# Students in 6th Grade:
23
336
# Students in 7th Grade:
28
409
# Students in 8th Grade:
32
466
# Students in 9th Grade:
84
12,230
# Students in 10th Grade:
86
11,381
# Students in 11th Grade:
58
10,546
# Students in 12th Grade:
37
9,860
# Ungraded Students:
-
-
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $12,376 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $10,550 is less than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$7 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$6 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$12,376
$13,121
Spending / Student
$10,550
$12,623
Best Chester Area School District 39-1 Public High Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Chester High School - 01
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
102 2nd Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: 9-12
| 103 students
Rank: #22.
Chester Area Cyber School - 92
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
500 5th St
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: 9-12
| 101 students
Rank: #33.
High Plains - 06
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 5th St
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Grades: 9-12
| 61 students
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
