For the 2025 school year, there are 20 public schools serving 3,320 students in Lawrence County, SD (there are 2 private schools, serving 301 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Lawrence County, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Lawrence County, SD are Whitewood Elementary - 04, Spearfish High School - 01 and Creekside Elementary - 07. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lawrence County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Lawrence County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Lawrence County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Whitewood Elementary - 04
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
603 Garfield St
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Grades: PK-5
| 124 students
Rank: #22.
Spearfish High School - 01
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1725 N Main
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1212
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1212
Grades: 9-12
| 771 students
Rank: #33.
Creekside Elementary - 07
(Math: 54% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2325 N Ave
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1210
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1210
Grades: 3-5
| 519 students
Rank: #4 - 64. - 6.
Atall Elementary - 17
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
16375 Atall Rd
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Grades: K-8
| 7 students
Rank: #4 - 64. - 6.
Elm Springs Elementary - 13
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21309 Elm Springs Rd
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Grades: K-8
| 11 students
Rank: #4 - 64. - 6.
Opal Elementary - 15
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
18010 Opal Rd
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Grades: K-8
| 14 students
Rank: #77.
Hereford Elementary - 08
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
15998 Cross S Rd
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Grades: K-8
| 13 students
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Black Hills Education Connections - 06
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2910 4th Ave
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 642-8286
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 642-8286
Grades: 10-12
| 31 students
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Lead-deadwood Career & Technical Education - 10
Vocational School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
22023 Job Corps Ctr
Nemo, SD 57759
(605) 578-2371
Nemo, SD 57759
(605) 578-2371
Grades: 9-12
| 64 students
Rank: #1010.
Spearfish Academy At Canyon Hills Elementary - 09
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2519 Windmill Dr
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1229
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1229
Grades: 4-8
| 7 students
Rank: #1111.
Central Meade County School - 09
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
19625 Ball Field Road
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Grades: K-8
| 48 students
Rank: #1212.
Spearfish Middle School - 05
(Math: 45% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1600 N Canyon
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1215
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1215
Grades: 6-8
| 573 students
Rank: #1313.
Lead-deadwood Middle School - 02
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
234 S Main St
Lead, SD 57754
(605) 717-3898
Lead, SD 57754
(605) 717-3898
Grades: 6-8
| 144 students
Rank: #1414.
Lead-deadwood High School - 01
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
320 S Main St
Lead, SD 57754
(605) 717-3899
Lead, SD 57754
(605) 717-3899
Grades: 9-12
| 218 students
Rank: #1515.
Lead-deadwood Elementary - 03
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
716 Main St
Deadwood, SD 57732
(605) 717-3884
Deadwood, SD 57732
(605) 717-3884
Grades: K-5
| 244 students
Rank: n/an/a
Black Hills Academy At Canyon Hills - 08
Alternative School
2519 Windmill Dr
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Grades: 4-8
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Black Hills Academy At Canyon Hills High School - 07
Alternative School
2519 Windmill Dr
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
400 E Hudson
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1209
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1209
Grades: K
| 166 students
Rank: n/an/a
Spearfish Academy At Canyon Hills High School - 10
Alternative School
2519 Windmill Dr
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1229
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1229
Grades: 9-12
| 18 students
Rank: n/an/a
920 W King St
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1205
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1205
Grades: 1-2
| 348 students
Lawrence County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Black Hills Education Connection - 03 High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
2910 4th Ave
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Po Box 16
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Grades: K-8
| 8 students
Po Box 16
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Grades: K-8
| 3 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Lawrence County, SD?
The top ranked public schools in Lawrence County, SD include Whitewood Elementary - 04, Spearfish High School - 01 and Creekside Elementary - 07.
How many public schools are located in Lawrence County?
20 public schools are located in Lawrence County.
What percentage of students in Lawrence County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Lawrence County are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lawrence County?
Lawrence County public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Lawrence County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lawrence County include: Lead-deadwood High School - 01 vs. Spearfish High School - 01, Creekside Elementary - 07 vs. West Elementary - 03, Creekside Elementary - 07 vs. Mountain View Elementary - 08
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.
