Aurora County Schools & Education
Aurora County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
39/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
71.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
71.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,748
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
39/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#33
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Aurora County
School Verdict
Aurora County faces educational challenges with a school score of 39/100 and a graduation rate of 71.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
Aurora County spends $8,748 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Aurora County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 1% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 11.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 18% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Aurora County, South Dakota
Small-Scale Education in Aurora County
Aurora County serves 587 students across a network of 11 public schools, including three elementary, four middle, and four high schools. These facilities are managed by just two school districts, reflecting a highly concentrated administrative structure. The county maintains several specialized facilities, including two alternative schools and two special education centers.
Performance and Investment in Local Classrooms
The county invests $8,748 per pupil, which exceeds the South Dakota state average of $7,409 but remains below the national benchmark of $13,000. Aurora's graduation rate currently stands at 71.0%, trailing both the state average of 82.4% and the national average of 87%. The composite school score of 47.3 reflects the unique challenges and opportunities within this rural educational landscape.
Plankinton Leads the Local Districts
The Plankinton School District 01-1 is the county's largest provider, managing seven schools and educating 288 students. White Lake School District 01-3 follows with 129 students across three schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's boundaries.
The Intimacy of Rural Learning
Every school in Aurora County is classified as rural, creating an intimate educational environment with an average school size of only 53 students. Corsica-Stickney Elementary is the largest campus with 170 students, while the Plankinton Junior High serves just 51. This small-town atmosphere ensures that nearly every student receives personalized attention from staff.
Building a Future in Aurora County
Families looking for a close-knit community where everyone knows your name will find Aurora County’s schools deeply integrated into local life. As you research your next home, consider how these small class sizes and rural settings can benefit your children's development. Explore local listings to find a residence near these dedicated community schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in Aurora County
Total Enrollment
587
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Aurora County
Plankinton School District 01-1
White Lake School District 01-3
11 Public Schools in Aurora County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corsica-Stickney Elementary - 02 | Corsica-Stickney 21-3 | PK–6 | Primary | 170 |
| Plankinton Elementary - 02 | Plankinton School District 01-1 | PK–6 | Primary | 141 |
| Plankinton High School - 01 | Plankinton School District 01-1 | 9–12 | High | 75 |
| White Lake Elementary - 02 | White Lake School District 01-3 | PK–5 | Primary | 63 |
| Plankinton Jr. High - 03 | Plankinton School District 01-1 | 7–8 | Middle | 51 |
| White Lake High School - 01 | White Lake School District 01-3 | 9–12 | High | 36 |
| White Lake Middle School - 03 | White Lake School District 01-3 | 6–8 | Middle | 30 |
| Aurora Plains Academy High School - 05 | Plankinton School District 01-1 | 9–12 | Alternative | 9 |
| Aurora Plains Academy Middle School - 04 | Plankinton School District 01-1 | 4–8 | Alternative | 7 |
| Dakota Reach - 06 | Plankinton School District 01-1 | 9–12 | Special Education | 3 |
| Dakota Reach Middle School - 07 | Plankinton School District 01-1 | 5–8 | Special Education | 2 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,748
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Aurora County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Aurora County?
How much does Aurora County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Aurora County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Aurora County, South Dakota?
Aurora County serves 587 students across a network of 11 public schools, including three elementary, four middle, and four high schools. These facilities are managed by just two school districts, reflecting a highly concentrated administrative structure. The county maintains several specialized facilities, including two alternative schools and two special education centers.
How do schools in Aurora County perform academically?
The county invests $8,748 per pupil, which exceeds the South Dakota state average of $7,409 but remains below the national benchmark of $13,000. Aurora's graduation rate currently stands at 71.0%, trailing both the state average of 82.4% and the national average of 87%. The composite school score of 47.3 reflects the unique challenges and opportunities within this rural educational landscape.
What are the major school districts in Aurora County, South Dakota?
The Plankinton School District 01-1 is the county's largest provider, managing seven schools and educating 288 students. White Lake School District 01-3 follows with 129 students across three schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's boundaries.
What is the school experience like in Aurora County?
Every school in Aurora County is classified as rural, creating an intimate educational environment with an average school size of only 53 students. Corsica-Stickney Elementary is the largest campus with 170 students, while the Plankinton Junior High serves just 51. This small-town atmosphere ensures that nearly every student receives personalized attention from staff.
How can I find homes near good schools in Aurora County, South Dakota?
Families looking for a close-knit community where everyone knows your name will find Aurora County’s schools deeply integrated into local life. As you research your next home, consider how these small class sizes and rural settings can benefit your children's development. Explore local listings to find a residence near these dedicated community schools.
Counties with Similar School Profile
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.