Nelson County Schools & Education
Nelson County, North Dakota
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
85.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
85.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 84.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,395
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,385
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
State avg 54/100
State School Rank
#18
of 53 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Nelson County, North Dakota
Focused Education in Nelson's Small Districts
Nelson County maintains a compact educational system with 4 schools serving a total of 479 students. These schools are managed by 2 districts and are divided evenly between elementary and high school levels. This small-scale infrastructure ensures that education remains a local, community-driven effort.
High Standards in a Small-Scale System
Nelson County delivers strong results with a graduation rate of 85.1%, which exceeds the state average of 84.8%. The county invests $10,395 per pupil, significantly more than the state average, to ensure quality instruction for its small student body. Consequently, the school score of 58.3 is well above the North Dakota average of 54.8.
Dakota Prairie and Lakota Serve the County
Dakota Prairie 1 is the county's largest district, educating 295 students in its two schools. Lakota 66 serves the remaining 184 students across an elementary and a high school. With zero charter schools, these two districts are the pillars of the Nelson County educational community.
The Quintessential Rural School Experience
All schools in Nelson County are rural, with an average size of only 120 students per campus. Dakota Prairie Elementary is the largest school with 168 students, while Lakota High School offers a very personalized experience for its 67 students. This small environment fosters a tight-knit culture where every student is known by name.
Find Home in a Community that Cares
If you are looking for a high-performing school system where your child can receive individual attention, Nelson County is a perfect choice. Real estate in the Dakota Prairie or Lakota districts offers access to schools with graduation rates that beat the state average. Make school quality a centerpiece of your home search in Nelson County.
School Overview
Total Schools
4
in Nelson County
Total Enrollment
479
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Nelson County
DAKOTA PRAIRIE 1
LAKOTA 66
4 Public Schools in Nelson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAKOTA PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | DAKOTA PRAIRIE 1 | PK–6 | Primary | 168 |
| DAKOTA PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL | DAKOTA PRAIRIE 1 | 7–12 | High | 127 |
| LAKOTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LAKOTA 66 | PK–6 | Primary | 117 |
| LAKOTA HIGH SCHOOL | LAKOTA 66 | 7–12 | High | 67 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,395
State avg $9,385
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Nelson County, North Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Nelson County, North Dakota?
Nelson County maintains a compact educational system with 4 schools serving a total of 479 students. These schools are managed by 2 districts and are divided evenly between elementary and high school levels. This small-scale infrastructure ensures that education remains a local, community-driven effort.
How do schools in Nelson County perform academically?
Nelson County delivers strong results with a graduation rate of 85.1%, which exceeds the state average of 84.8%. The county invests $10,395 per pupil, significantly more than the state average, to ensure quality instruction for its small student body. Consequently, the school score of 58.3 is well above the North Dakota average of 54.8.
What are the major school districts in Nelson County, North Dakota?
Dakota Prairie 1 is the county's largest district, educating 295 students in its two schools. Lakota 66 serves the remaining 184 students across an elementary and a high school. With zero charter schools, these two districts are the pillars of the Nelson County educational community.
What is the school experience like in Nelson County?
All schools in Nelson County are rural, with an average size of only 120 students per campus. Dakota Prairie Elementary is the largest school with 168 students, while Lakota High School offers a very personalized experience for its 67 students. This small environment fosters a tight-knit culture where every student is known by name.
How can I find homes near good schools in Nelson County, North Dakota?
If you are looking for a high-performing school system where your child can receive individual attention, Nelson County is a perfect choice. Real estate in the Dakota Prairie or Lakota districts offers access to schools with graduation rates that beat the state average. Make school quality a centerpiece of your home search in Nelson County.
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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.