Dakota County Schools & Education
Dakota County, Nebraska
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,507
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
State avg 64/100
State School Rank
#60
of 93 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Dakota County, Nebraska
Suburban Connectivity in Dakota County Schools
Dakota County manages 11 public schools across three districts, serving a large student population of 4,338. The infrastructure is geared toward younger learners with seven elementary schools, complemented by one middle school, two high schools, and one alternative facility. This county features more suburban campuses than its neighbors, reflecting its position near regional hubs.
Solid Performance in Larger School Settings
The graduation rate stands at 86.3%, trailing the state average by just 0.6% and the national average by 0.7%. Dakota County spends $9,507 per pupil and maintains a school score of 57.0, which is comfortably above the national median of 50. The county manages to maintain these competitive scores while overseeing much larger student populations than nearby rural areas.
South Sioux City Leads Regional Education
South Sioux City Community Schools is the primary district, serving a significant 3,783 students across eight schools. Ponca and Homer districts provide smaller alternatives, serving 442 and 428 students respectively. The county relies exclusively on traditional public schools, with no charter schools present in the current data.
Suburban Energy and Larger Campuses
Eight of the county's schools are in suburban locales, contributing to a higher average school size of 394 students. South Sioux High School is a major regional hub with 1,149 students, followed by the middle school at 773. This creates a more traditional, high-energy school environment with more diverse extracurricular opportunities.
Join a Vibrant Suburban School District
If you are looking for a more robust, suburban school experience for your children, Dakota County is an excellent choice. The large South Sioux City district offers facilities and programs that are often only found in bigger metropolitan areas. Look for homes in the South Sioux City suburbs to be at the heart of this active educational community.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in Dakota County
Total Enrollment
4,338
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Dakota County
SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS
PONCA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HOMER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
11 Public Schools in Dakota County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH SIOUX HIGH SCHOOL | SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS | 9–12 | High | 1,149 |
| SOUTH SIOUX CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL | SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS | 6–8 | Middle | 773 |
| CARDINAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS | PK–5 | Primary | 432 |
| COVINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS | PK–5 | Primary | 409 |
| HARNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS | PK–5 | Primary | 376 |
| DAKOTA CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS | PK–5 | Primary | 241 |
| HOMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | HOMER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 237 |
| LEWIS & CLARK ELEMENTARY SCH | SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS | PK–5 | Primary | 227 |
| HOMER HIGH SCHOOL | HOMER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 191 |
| E N SWETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SO SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHS | PK | Other | 176 |
| JACKSON ELEMENTARY | PONCA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–2 | Primary | 127 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,507
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Dakota County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Dakota County, Nebraska?
Dakota County manages 11 public schools across three districts, serving a large student population of 4,338. The infrastructure is geared toward younger learners with seven elementary schools, complemented by one middle school, two high schools, and one alternative facility. This county features more suburban campuses than its neighbors, reflecting its position near regional hubs.
How do schools in Dakota County perform academically?
The graduation rate stands at 86.3%, trailing the state average by just 0.6% and the national average by 0.7%. Dakota County spends $9,507 per pupil and maintains a school score of 57.0, which is comfortably above the national median of 50. The county manages to maintain these competitive scores while overseeing much larger student populations than nearby rural areas.
What are the major school districts in Dakota County, Nebraska?
South Sioux City Community Schools is the primary district, serving a significant 3,783 students across eight schools. Ponca and Homer districts provide smaller alternatives, serving 442 and 428 students respectively. The county relies exclusively on traditional public schools, with no charter schools present in the current data.
What is the school experience like in Dakota County?
Eight of the county's schools are in suburban locales, contributing to a higher average school size of 394 students. South Sioux High School is a major regional hub with 1,149 students, followed by the middle school at 773. This creates a more traditional, high-energy school environment with more diverse extracurricular opportunities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Dakota County, Nebraska?
If you are looking for a more robust, suburban school experience for your children, Dakota County is an excellent choice. The large South Sioux City district offers facilities and programs that are often only found in bigger metropolitan areas. Look for homes in the South Sioux City suburbs to be at the heart of this active educational community.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.