Corson County Schools & Education
Corson County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
45/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
67.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
67.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,486
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
45/100
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
#22
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Corson County
School Verdict
Corson County has average school quality (score: 45/100) with a graduation rate of 67.6%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
Corson County spends $10,486 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 Corson County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 19% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 14.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 42% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Corson County, South Dakota
Rural Infrastructure in Corson County
Corson County hosts nine public schools serving a total enrollment of 765 students. These schools are distributed across three districts, with three elementary, three middle, and three high schools providing coverage for the area.
High Investment Despite Graduation Gaps
Corson County spends a significant $10,486 per pupil, well above the state average of $7,409. However, the graduation rate currently stands at 67.6%, which is below both state and national benchmarks.
Focus on the McLaughlin School District
McLaughlin School District 15-2 is the largest in the county, educating 442 students across three schools. The county maintains a traditional educational structure with zero charter schools in operation.
Small Schools in a Vast Rural Setting
All schools in Corson County are classified as rural, featuring an intimate average school size of 85 students. McLaughlin Elementary is the largest school with 203 students, while many other facilities are much smaller.
Invest in a Home in Corson County
Families looking for rural living and high per-pupil investment may find Corson County an intriguing option. Explore local properties to find a home within the McLaughlin or Smee school districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
9
in Corson County
Total Enrollment
765
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Corson County
McLaughlin School District 15-2
Smee School District 15-3
McIntosh School District 15-1
9 Public Schools in Corson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLaughlin Elementary - 02 | McLaughlin School District 15-2 | PK–5 | Primary | 203 |
| McLaughlin High School - 01 | McLaughlin School District 15-2 | 9–12 | High | 165 |
| Wakpala Elementary - 02 | Smee School District 15-3 | KG–5 | Primary | 85 |
| McLaughlin Middle School - 03 | McLaughlin School District 15-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 74 |
| Wakpala High School - 01 | Smee School District 15-3 | 9–12 | High | 66 |
| McIntosh Elementary - 02 | McIntosh School District 15-1 | PK–4 | Primary | 52 |
| McIntosh High School - 01 | McIntosh School District 15-1 | 9–12 | High | 46 |
| McIntosh Middle School - 03 | McIntosh School District 15-1 | 5–8 | Middle | 37 |
| Wakpala Middle School - 04 | Smee School District 15-3 | 6–8 | Middle | 37 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,486
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Corson County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Corson County?
How much does Corson County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Corson County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Corson County, South Dakota?
Corson County hosts nine public schools serving a total enrollment of 765 students. These schools are distributed across three districts, with three elementary, three middle, and three high schools providing coverage for the area.
How do schools in Corson County perform academically?
Corson County spends a significant $10,486 per pupil, well above the state average of $7,409. However, the graduation rate currently stands at 67.6%, which is below both state and national benchmarks.
What are the major school districts in Corson County, South Dakota?
McLaughlin School District 15-2 is the largest in the county, educating 442 students across three schools. The county maintains a traditional educational structure with zero charter schools in operation.
What is the school experience like in Corson County?
All schools in Corson County are classified as rural, featuring an intimate average school size of 85 students. McLaughlin Elementary is the largest school with 203 students, while many other facilities are much smaller.
How can I find homes near good schools in Corson County, South Dakota?
Families looking for rural living and high per-pupil investment may find Corson County an intriguing option. Explore local properties to find a home within the McLaughlin or Smee 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.