Brown County Schools & Education
Brown County, South Dakota
School Score
36/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
90.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,045
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
36/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
State School Rank
#37
of 65 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Brown County, South Dakota
Comprehensive Education in Northern South Dakota
Brown County hosts 22 public schools, including 11 elementary, five middle, and six high schools, serving 5,445 students. This extensive system is managed by five different school districts, ensuring broad coverage across the county's large geographic area. The county also includes one alternative school and two specialized special education facilities.
Academic Excellence and Spending Efficiency
Brown County reports a strong 90.9% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 82.4%. It reaches this milestone while spending only $6,045 per pupil, which is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. The school score of 51.9 indicates a solid academic environment that outperforms many neighboring counties.
Aberdeen School District Leads the Region
The Aberdeen School District 06-1 is the largest in the county, serving 4,326 students across 10 schools. Groton Area and Frederick Area districts also contribute to the local landscape, serving 597 and 171 students respectively. No charter schools operate in Brown County, with all 22 schools functioning as traditional public entities.
A Dynamic Mix of Town and Country
Brown County offers a diverse geographic mix with 12 town schools and 10 rural schools. Central High School in Aberdeen is the largest with 1,388 students, providing a large-school experience with diverse extracurriculars. In contrast, the average school size countywide is 248, blending urban-style amenities with rural community values.
Find Your Home in a High-Achieving County
Families moving to Brown County can benefit from some of the best graduation rates in the state within the Aberdeen area. Whether you prefer a modern town home near Central High or a quiet rural property, the educational options here are top-tier. Start your search for a home that places your children in these successful school districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
22
in Brown County
Total Enrollment
5,445
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Brown County
Aberdeen School District 06-1
Groton Area School District 06-6
Warner School District 06-5
Frederick Area School District 06-2
SD SCH FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
22 Public Schools in Brown County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central High School - 01 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | 9–12 | High | 1,388 |
| Holgate Middle School - 02 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 512 |
| Simmons Middle School - 03 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 483 |
| Simmons Elementary - 10 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | KG–5 | Primary | 395 |
| C C Lee Elementary - 05 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | KG–5 | Primary | 371 |
| May Overby Elementary - 09 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | KG–5 | Primary | 357 |
| O M Tiffany Elementary - 11 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | KG–5 | Primary | 312 |
| Groton Area Elementary - 02 | Groton Area School District 06-6 | PK–5 | Primary | 295 |
| Lincoln Elementary - 08 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | PK–5 | Primary | 256 |
| Mike Miller Elementary - 07 | Aberdeen School District 06-1 | KG–5 | Primary | 244 |
| Groton Area High School - 01 | Groton Area School District 06-6 | 9–12 | High | 175 |
| Warner Elementary - 02 | Warner School District 06-5 | KG–5 | Primary | 155 |
| Groton Area Middle School - 04 | Groton Area School District 06-6 | 6–8 | Middle | 127 |
| Warner High School - 01 | Warner School District 06-5 | 9–12 | High | 87 |
| Frederick Elementary - 02 | Frederick Area School District 06-2 | KG–6 | Primary | 79 |
| Warner Middle School - 03 | Warner School District 06-5 | 6–8 | Middle | 72 |
| Frederick High School - 01 | Frederick Area School District 06-2 | 9–12 | High | 63 |
| Frederick Jr. High - 03 | Frederick Area School District 06-2 | 7–8 | Middle | 29 |
| Hutterville Colony Elementary - 06 | Northwestern Area School District 56-7 | KG–8 | Primary | 17 |
| SDSBVI High School - 02 | SD SCH FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED | 9–12 | Special Education | 11 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,045
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Brown County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Brown County, South Dakota?
Brown County hosts 22 public schools, including 11 elementary, five middle, and six high schools, serving 5,445 students. This extensive system is managed by five different school districts, ensuring broad coverage across the county's large geographic area. The county also includes one alternative school and two specialized special education facilities.
How do schools in Brown County perform academically?
Brown County reports a strong 90.9% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 82.4%. It reaches this milestone while spending only $6,045 per pupil, which is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. The school score of 51.9 indicates a solid academic environment that outperforms many neighboring counties.
What are the major school districts in Brown County, South Dakota?
The Aberdeen School District 06-1 is the largest in the county, serving 4,326 students across 10 schools. Groton Area and Frederick Area districts also contribute to the local landscape, serving 597 and 171 students respectively. No charter schools operate in Brown County, with all 22 schools functioning as traditional public entities.
What is the school experience like in Brown County?
Brown County offers a diverse geographic mix with 12 town schools and 10 rural schools. Central High School in Aberdeen is the largest with 1,388 students, providing a large-school experience with diverse extracurriculars. In contrast, the average school size countywide is 248, blending urban-style amenities with rural community values.
How can I find homes near good schools in Brown County, South Dakota?
Families moving to Brown County can benefit from some of the best graduation rates in the state within the Aberdeen area. Whether you prefer a modern town home near Central High or a quiet rural property, the educational options here are top-tier. Start your search for a home that places your children in these successful school districts.
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.