Butte County Schools & Education
Butte County, South Dakota
School Score
15/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
83.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
83.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,831
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
15/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
State School Rank
#59
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Explore Butte County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Butte County, South Dakota
The School Network of Butte County
Butte County supports 1,618 students across eight public schools, including three elementary, two middle, and three high schools. These facilities are managed by two districts and include one alternative school for non-traditional learners. This layout provides a balanced educational infrastructure for the county's growing population.
Graduation Success and Lean Spending
Butte County achieves a graduation rate of 83.4%, which slightly exceeds the state average of 82.4%. This performance is notable as the county spends only $5,831 per pupil, one of the lower expenditure rates in the region. The composite school score of 47.5 reflects a system that is holding its own against state medians.
Belle Fourche Leads the Local Schools
The Belle Fourche School District 09-1 is the county's largest, serving 1,329 students across five schools. The Newell School District 09-2 serves an additional 289 students. Like many other South Dakota counties, Butte has no charter schools, focusing all resources on its two traditional public districts.
A Blend of Town Hubs and Rural Schools
Five of the county's schools are located in town settings like Belle Fourche, while three remain rural. Belle Fourche Middle School is the largest campus with 401 students, and the countywide average school size is 202. This mix provides students with a variety of campus sizes as they progress from early elementary through high school.
Finding Your Place in Butte County
Families looking for a community with solid graduation rates and efficient school management will find Butte County appealing. The schools in Belle Fourche and Newell are central to the region's identity and future growth. Consider browsing homes in the Belle Fourche area to take advantage of the county's largest educational hub.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Butte County
Total Enrollment
1,618
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Butte County
Belle Fourche School District 09-1
Newell School District 09-2
8 Public Schools in Butte County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle Fourche Middle School - 07 | Belle Fourche School District 09-1 | 5–8 | Middle | 401 |
| Belle Fourche High School - 01 | Belle Fourche School District 09-1 | 9–12 | High | 383 |
| South Park Elementary - 03 | Belle Fourche School District 09-1 | 1–4 | Primary | 382 |
| Newell Elementary - 02 | Newell School District 09-2 | PK–5 | Primary | 152 |
| North Park Elementary - 08 | Belle Fourche School District 09-1 | KG | Primary | 106 |
| Newell High School - 01 | Newell School District 09-2 | 9–12 | High | 75 |
| Newell Middle School - 04 | Newell School District 09-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 62 |
| Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 | Belle Fourche School District 09-1 | 9–12 | Alternative | 57 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,831
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Butte County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Butte County, South Dakota?
Butte County supports 1,618 students across eight public schools, including three elementary, two middle, and three high schools. These facilities are managed by two districts and include one alternative school for non-traditional learners. This layout provides a balanced educational infrastructure for the county's growing population.
How do schools in Butte County perform academically?
Butte County achieves a graduation rate of 83.4%, which slightly exceeds the state average of 82.4%. This performance is notable as the county spends only $5,831 per pupil, one of the lower expenditure rates in the region. The composite school score of 47.5 reflects a system that is holding its own against state medians.
What are the major school districts in Butte County, South Dakota?
The Belle Fourche School District 09-1 is the county's largest, serving 1,329 students across five schools. The Newell School District 09-2 serves an additional 289 students. Like many other South Dakota counties, Butte has no charter schools, focusing all resources on its two traditional public districts.
What is the school experience like in Butte County?
Five of the county's schools are located in town settings like Belle Fourche, while three remain rural. Belle Fourche Middle School is the largest campus with 401 students, and the countywide average school size is 202. This mix provides students with a variety of campus sizes as they progress from early elementary through high school.
How can I find homes near good schools in Butte County, South Dakota?
Families looking for a community with solid graduation rates and efficient school management will find Butte County appealing. The schools in Belle Fourche and Newell are central to the region's identity and future growth. Consider browsing homes in the Belle Fourche area to take advantage of the county's largest educational hub.
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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.