Hand County Schools & Education
Hand County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
60/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,364
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
60/100
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
#8
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Hand County
School Verdict
Hand County performs at an average level with a school score of 60/100 and a solid graduation rate of 90.0%.
Funding Context
Hand County spends $8,364 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 Hand County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 59% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 7.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 13% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Hand County, South Dakota
The Miller Education Network
Hand County operates four public schools, all managed under a single, unified district. The student body of 457 is served by two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This streamlined approach allows the county to centralize its academic resources efficiently.
Competitive Scores and High Investment
The county achieves a strong school score of 56.5, which is well above the South Dakota state average of 50.4. A 90% graduation rate highlights the success of the local system compared to the 87% national average. Per-pupil spending sits at $8,364, representing a significant investment that exceeds the state average of $7,409.
A Single District Serving All
Miller School District 29-4 is the sole educational authority in the county, managing all 457 students. The district maintains a traditional public school model with no charter schools currently in operation. This unified structure fosters a strong sense of community and shared goals among local families.
Rural Roots with Diverse Sizes
All schools in Hand County are rural, but they range significantly in scale. Miller Elementary is the largest with 233 students, while Millerdale Colony Elementary provides an extremely intimate setting for 30 students. The average school size across the county is 114 students, balancing community feel with regional resources.
Invest in a High-Performing Community
Hand County's high school scores make it an attractive destination for families who value academic excellence. Homes within the Miller School District offer access to a system that consistently outperforms state averages in both graduation rates and school quality. This county is a standout choice for those seeking a proven, rural educational environment.
School Overview
Total Schools
4
in Hand County
Total Enrollment
457
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Hand County
Miller 29-4
4 Public Schools in Hand County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miller Elementary - 02 | Miller 29-4 | KG–6 | Primary | 233 |
| Miller High School - 01 | Miller 29-4 | 9–12 | High | 133 |
| Miller Jr. High - 04 | Miller 29-4 | 7–8 | Middle | 61 |
| Millerdale Colony Elementary - 11 | Miller 29-4 | KG–8 | Primary | 30 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,364
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Hand County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Hand County?
How much does Hand County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Hand County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Hand County, South Dakota?
Hand County operates four public schools, all managed under a single, unified district. The student body of 457 is served by two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This streamlined approach allows the county to centralize its academic resources efficiently.
How do schools in Hand County perform academically?
The county achieves a strong school score of 56.5, which is well above the South Dakota state average of 50.4. A 90% graduation rate highlights the success of the local system compared to the 87% national average. Per-pupil spending sits at $8,364, representing a significant investment that exceeds the state average of $7,409.
What are the major school districts in Hand County, South Dakota?
Miller School District 29-4 is the sole educational authority in the county, managing all 457 students. The district maintains a traditional public school model with no charter schools currently in operation. This unified structure fosters a strong sense of community and shared goals among local families.
What is the school experience like in Hand County?
All schools in Hand County are rural, but they range significantly in scale. Miller Elementary is the largest with 233 students, while Millerdale Colony Elementary provides an extremely intimate setting for 30 students. The average school size across the county is 114 students, balancing community feel with regional resources.
How can I find homes near good schools in Hand County, South Dakota?
Hand County's high school scores make it an attractive destination for families who value academic excellence. Homes within the Miller School District offer access to a system that consistently outperforms state averages in both graduation rates and school quality. This county is a standout choice for those seeking a proven, rural educational environment.
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.