Hanson County Schools & Education
Hanson County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
28/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below 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
$5,535
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
28/100
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
#49
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Hanson County
School Verdict
Despite a lower school score of 28/100, Hanson County maintains a strong graduation rate of 90.0%, suggesting effective student support systems.
Funding Context
At $5,535 per pupil, Hanson County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Hanson County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 26% below the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 7.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 25% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Hanson County, South Dakota
Small Schools, Big Opportunities
Hanson County supports ten public schools serving 604 students across two districts. The educational landscape consists of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This high ratio of schools to students ensures very small class sizes across the county.
Solid Performance with Lean Budgets
The county maintains a 90% graduation rate, outpacing the South Dakota state average by nearly eight points. Hanson County manages these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,535, which is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. The composite school score of 50.4 perfectly aligns with the state median.
Two Districts for Local Choice
Hanson School District 30-1 is the largest, managing six schools and 396 students. The Bridgewater-Emery 30-3 district serves the remaining 333 students through its three facilities. There are no charter schools in the county, with all local children attending traditional public schools.
Intimate Classrooms in Rural Plains
With an average school size of only 60 students, Hanson County offers one of the most personalized education experiences in the state. Hanson Elementary is the largest site with 135 students, while several other locations operate with much smaller cohorts. All ten schools are classified as rural, maintaining the area's quiet, focused character.
Quality Education in a Rural Setting
For families who want their children to have close relationships with teachers, Hanson County is an ideal place to buy a home. The combination of a 90% graduation rate and exceptionally small school sizes makes it a safe bet for educational success. Explore properties in the Hanson or Bridgewater-Emery districts to find your perfect fit.
School Overview
Total Schools
10
in Hanson County
Total Enrollment
604
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Hanson County
Hanson School District 30-1
Bridgewater-Emery 30-3
10 Public Schools in Hanson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanson Elementary - 06 | Hanson School District 30-1 | PK–5 | Primary | 135 |
| Hanson High School - 01 | Hanson School District 30-1 | 9–12 | High | 131 |
| Bridgewater-Emery High School - 01 | Bridgewater-Emery 30-3 | 9–12 | High | 100 |
| Hanson Middle School - 02 | Hanson School District 30-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 87 |
| Bridgewater-Emery Middle School - 04 | Bridgewater-Emery 30-3 | 6–8 | Middle | 71 |
| Oaklane Colony Elementary - 05 | Hanson School District 30-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 31 |
| Rosedale Colony Elementary - 11 | Mitchell School District 17-2 | KG–8 | Primary | 25 |
| Rockport Colony Elementary- 10 | Mitchell School District 17-2 | KG–8 | Primary | 12 |
| Millbrook Colony Elementary - 04 | Hanson School District 30-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 6 |
| Hanson Colony Alternative High School - 07 | Hanson School District 30-1 | 9–12 | High | 6 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,535
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Hanson County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Hanson County?
How much does Hanson County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Hanson County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Hanson County, South Dakota?
Hanson County supports ten public schools serving 604 students across two districts. The educational landscape consists of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This high ratio of schools to students ensures very small class sizes across the county.
How do schools in Hanson County perform academically?
The county maintains a 90% graduation rate, outpacing the South Dakota state average by nearly eight points. Hanson County manages these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,535, which is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. The composite school score of 50.4 perfectly aligns with the state median.
What are the major school districts in Hanson County, South Dakota?
Hanson School District 30-1 is the largest, managing six schools and 396 students. The Bridgewater-Emery 30-3 district serves the remaining 333 students through its three facilities. There are no charter schools in the county, with all local children attending traditional public schools.
What is the school experience like in Hanson County?
With an average school size of only 60 students, Hanson County offers one of the most personalized education experiences in the state. Hanson Elementary is the largest site with 135 students, while several other locations operate with much smaller cohorts. All ten schools are classified as rural, maintaining the area's quiet, focused character.
How can I find homes near good schools in Hanson County, South Dakota?
For families who want their children to have close relationships with teachers, Hanson County is an ideal place to buy a home. The combination of a 90% graduation rate and exceptionally small school sizes makes it a safe bet for educational success. Explore properties in the Hanson or Bridgewater-Emery districts to find your perfect fit.
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.