Brookings County Schools & Education

Brookings County, South Dakota

School Score

46/100

Higher = better

Rating

Average

Graduation Rate

90.8%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

90.8%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 82.4%

Per-Pupil Spending

$6,929

National avg $13,239

State avg $7,409

School Score

46/100

Higher = better

State avg 38/100

State School Rank

#19

of 65 counties (1 = best)

Education Overview

About Schools in Brookings County, South Dakota

An Educational Powerhouse in Brookings

Brookings County serves a large student body of 4,830 through 18 public schools organized into four districts. The infrastructure is well-balanced with ten elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. This robust network supports one of the most significant educational populations in the state.

Exceeding Benchmarks in Student Success

The county achieves a stellar 90.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87% and the state's 82.4%. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,929, which is more efficient than the state average. The composite school score of 53.8 reflects a high-performing system that ranks well above state norms.

The Prominence of Brookings School District

Brookings School District 05-1 is the county's largest, educating 3,431 students across six schools. Other active districts include Elkton and Deubrook Area, which together serve over 800 students. There are no charter schools, as the traditional public districts continue to meet the high demand for quality education.

Vibrant Town Schools and Rural Outposts

The county features a mix of environments, with six town-based schools in the city of Brookings and 12 rural schools in the surrounding areas. Brookings High School is a major regional hub with 1,050 students, while the county average school size is 268. This diversity allows families to choose between a larger, resource-rich high school or smaller rural campuses.

Invest in a Home Near Top Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Brookings County is a premier destination for families. Proximity to these high-achieving schools is a major draw for home buyers and a driver of local property values. Browse available listings today to find your place in this thriving educational community.

School Overview

Total Schools

18

in Brookings County

Total Enrollment

4,830

students

School Districts

4

districts

Charter Schools

0

0% of total

School Type Breakdown

Elementary10
Middle4
High4
Other0

4 School Districts in Brookings County

Brookings School District 05-1

6 schools
3,431 students

Sioux Valley School District 05-5

3 schools
739 students

Elkton School District 05-3

5 schools
441 students

Deubrook Area School District 05-6

5 schools
423 students

18 Public Schools in Brookings County

Brookings High School - 01

Brookings School District 05-1

9–12High1,050 students
George S. Mickelson Middle School - 02

Brookings School District 05-1

6–8Middle751 students
Camelot Intermediate - 06

Brookings School District 05-1

4–5Primary529 students
Dakota Prairie Elementary - 07

Brookings School District 05-1

KG–3Primary473 students
Sioux Valley Elementary - 02

Sioux Valley School District 05-5

KG–5Primary354 students
Medary Elementary - 05

Brookings School District 05-1

KG–3Primary323 students
Hillcrest Elementary - 04

Brookings School District 05-1

KG–3Primary305 students
Sioux Valley High School - 01

Sioux Valley School District 05-5

9–12High224 students
Elkton Elementary - 02

Elkton School District 05-3

PK–6Primary206 students
Sioux Valley Middle School - 04

Sioux Valley School District 05-5

6–8Middle161 students
Elkton High School - 01

Elkton School District 05-3

9–12High126 students
Deubrook High School - 01

Deubrook Area School District 05-6

9–12High113 students
Elkton Jr. High - 03

Elkton School District 05-3

7–8Middle73 students
Deubrook Jr. High - 02

Deubrook Area School District 05-6

7–8Middle56 students
Norfeld Colony Elementary - 07

Deubrook Area School District 05-6

KG–8Primary27 students
Newdale Colony Elementary - 04

Elkton School District 05-3

KG–8Primary23 students
Red Willow Colony School - 09

Deubrook Area School District 05-6

KG–8Primary23 students
Rolland Colony Elementary - 05

Elkton School District 05-3

KG–8Primary13 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$6,929

State avg $7,409

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Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Brookings County, South Dakota — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Brookings County, South Dakota?

Brookings County serves a large student body of 4,830 through 18 public schools organized into four districts. The infrastructure is well-balanced with ten elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. This robust network supports one of the most significant educational populations in the state.

How do schools in Brookings County perform academically?

The county achieves a stellar 90.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87% and the state's 82.4%. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,929, which is more efficient than the state average. The composite school score of 53.8 reflects a high-performing system that ranks well above state norms.

What are the major school districts in Brookings County, South Dakota?

Brookings School District 05-1 is the county's largest, educating 3,431 students across six schools. Other active districts include Elkton and Deubrook Area, which together serve over 800 students. There are no charter schools, as the traditional public districts continue to meet the high demand for quality education.

What is the school experience like in Brookings County?

The county features a mix of environments, with six town-based schools in the city of Brookings and 12 rural schools in the surrounding areas. Brookings High School is a major regional hub with 1,050 students, while the county average school size is 268. This diversity allows families to choose between a larger, resource-rich high school or smaller rural campuses.

How can I find homes near good schools in Brookings County, South Dakota?

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Brookings County is a premier destination for families. Proximity to these high-achieving schools is a major draw for home buyers and a driver of local property values. Browse available listings today to find your place in this thriving 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.