When you think of South Dakota, you may think of the great historic Mount Rushmore. You may also think of Badlands National Park, The Black Hills, and the Missouri River. When it comes to cities, South Dakota also has a robust culture that ignites these cities.
One of the most underrated things about South Dakota is the education. They have some of the nation's best high and elementary schools. They also have the largest school districts, which gives families more opportunities to choose schools around where they live. Here's a guide on the seven largest school districts in South Dakota and what makes them different.
Sioux Falls School District
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Located in Sioux Falls with a population of 196,000, Sioux Falls School District is considered the largest of the 148 school districts. There are 45 schools with around 24,000 students, making it one of the largest school districts in South Dakota. The schools in this district have a student-to-teacher ratio 17:1. The school district is known for its diversity, being ranked no. 2 for being the most diverse district in South Dakota.
This school district has some of the best elementary and high schools. For instance, Challenge Center – 51 is ranked the no. 1 elementary school in South Dakota.
Here are the schools that make up the 45 schools in this district.
- 33 elementary and middle schools
- 12 high schools
Rapid City Area School District
Rapid City Area School District is next on the list of biggest school districts in South Dakota, with 30 schools and roughly 12,000 students. The average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. This school district is ranked in the bottom 50% of schools. For instance, Stevens High School is one of the higher-rated schools.
These are how the 30 schools are divided in this district.
- 23 elementary and middle schools
- 5 middle schools
- 2 high schools
Harrisburg School District
Harrisburg School District is next on the list of largest school districts in South Dakota, with about ten schools and 5,000 students. Like other school districts, it has a similar student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. Some of the best high schools in this district include Hershey High School and Camp Hill Senior High School.
These are the schools that make up this large district in South Dakota.
- 7 elementary
- 2 middle schools
- 1 high schools
Brandon Valley School District
Brandon Valley School District has 11 schools and around 4,900 students. One of the things that this district is known for is its excellence in education. It ranks in the top 5% of school districts in South Dakota. One of the best high schools is Brandon Valley School District, ranked no. 9 out of high schools in South Dakota.
These are how the schools are divided up in this school district.
- 9 elementary schools and
- 1 middle school
- 1 high schools
Aberdeen School District
Located in Grays Harbor County, Aberdeen School District is another one of the largest school districts in South Dakota, with ten schools and 4,400 students. While it's one of the largest school districts in South Dakota, it's also one with the lowest test scores. Even with the lowest scores, the Cults Academy and Aberdeen Grammar School are some of the best schools in the area.
This is how the school district is divided between elementary and high schools.
- 6 elementary and junior high schools
- 4 high schools
Watertown School District
Watertown School District is also considered one of the largest districts, with nine schools with around 3,900 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is 18:1. Some of the best elementary schools, like McKinley Elementary School and Roosevelt Elementary, are considered the top-rated schools in this district with the best scores.
These are the schools that are part of the Watertown School District.
- 3 elementary schools
- 1 middle school
- 1 high schools
Brookings School District
With six schools and 3,300 students, Brookings School District is the seventh-largest school district in South Dakota. It has a student-to-teacher ratio 16:1. One of the best high schools in this district is Brookings High School, which has a 90% graduation rate, while the state average is 84%.
This is how the elementary and high schools are divided in Brookings School District.
- 5 elementary schools
- 1 high schools
South Dakota's Biggest School Districts Have a Lot to Offer
South Dakota may be known for its history, national parks, and best outdoor activities, but it is also known for its diverse educational opportunities. With the largest school districts in South Dakota, families have a better idea of what opportunities are available to them. Families can see what the best schools are, what the student-to-teacher ratio is, and how close these schools are to their homes. These large school districts ultimately show what educational opportunities are available in South Dakota.
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