A quality education is the foundation for a successful future, and finding the right school district plays a crucial role in shaping a student's academic journey. In South Dakota, there are several exceptional school districts that prioritize academic excellence, student well-being, and college readiness.
This article highlights the top 8 best school districts in South Dakota, based on various key factors such as student population, teacher-student ratio, graduation rate, standardized test scores, college placement, and per-student expenditure.
Top 8 Best School Districts in South Dakota
- Sioux Falls School District
- Brandon Valley School District
- Harrisburg School District
- Rapid City Area Schools
- Tea Area School District
- Brookings School District
- Aberdeen School District
- Yankton School District
Sioux Falls School District
- Total number of students: 24,000
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:15
- High graduation rate: 93%
- Average SAT score: 1200
- Average ACT score: 25
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Augustana University
- Amount spent per student: $10,000
Brandon Valley School District
- Total number of students: 4,500
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:14
- High graduation rate: 95%
- Average SAT score: 1250
- Average ACT score: 26
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota State University, Dakota State University
- Amount spent per student: $9,500
Harrisburg School District
- Total number of students: 5,200
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:16
- High graduation rate: 96%
- Average SAT score: 1270
- Average ACT score: 27
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, University of Sioux Falls
- Amount spent per student: $9,800
Rapid City Area Schools
- Total number of students: 14,500
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:17
- High graduation rate: 90%
- Average SAT score: 1150
- Average ACT score: 24
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: Black Hills State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of South Dakota
- Amount spent per student: $9,200
Tea Area School District
- Total number of students: 2,800
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:13
- High graduation rate: 97%
- Average SAT score: 1300
- Average ACT score: 28
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Dakota Wesleyan University
- Amount spent per student: $9,600
Brookings School District
- Total number of students: 3,500
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:15
- High graduation rate: 94%
- Average SAT score: 1230
- Average ACT score: 26
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, Dakota State University
- Amount spent per student: $9,400
Aberdeen School District
- Total number of students: 3,200
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:14
- High graduation rate: 92%
- Average SAT score: 1180
- Average ACT score: 25
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: Northern State University, South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota
- Amount spent per student: $9,300
Yankton School District
- Total number of students: 2,700
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:16
- High graduation rate: 95%
- Average SAT score: 1220
- Average ACT score: 26
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Dakota Wesleyan University
- Amount spent per student: $9,700
