Jackson County Schools & Education
Jackson County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
69/100
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
$9,994
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
69/100
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
#3
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Jackson County
School Verdict
Jackson County performs at an average level with a school score of 69/100 and a solid graduation rate of 90.0%.
Funding Context
Jackson County spends $9,994 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 Jackson County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 81% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 7.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 35% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Jackson County, South Dakota
Jackson County's Rural School Infrastructure
Jackson County supports five public schools including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. A total of 314 students are enrolled across these facilities, all managed by a single school district. This structure provides multiple early-education touchpoints before students transition to the central middle and high schools.
Leading the State in Graduation Rates
Jackson County achieves an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 82.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. The county invests $9,994 per pupil, which is well above the South Dakota average of $7,409. These strong investments and outcomes yield a solid composite school score of 60.0.
The Kadoka Area School District
The Kadoka Area School District 35-2 is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all five schools for its 314 students. There are no charter schools available, ensuring that the local district remains the primary focus for community educational resources. This single-district model allows for consistent curriculum and administrative oversight across the entire county.
Small Schools in a Rural Setting
Every school in Jackson County is situated in a rural locale, with an average school size of 63 students. Kadoka Elementary is the largest campus with 124 students, while smaller outposts like Longvalley Elementary serve just 32 students in a K-8 setting. The education experience here is defined by personalized attention and a quiet, focused atmosphere.
Education Excellence in Jackson County
Homebuyers looking for high graduation rates and strong per-pupil investment will find Jackson County to be a standout option in South Dakota. The county’s commitment to its schools is reflected in performance numbers that exceed both state and national averages. Explore local real estate to find a home within this high-achieving rural school system.
School Overview
Total Schools
5
in Jackson County
Total Enrollment
314
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 Jackson County
Kadoka Area School District 35-2
5 Public Schools in Jackson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kadoka Elementary - 02 | Kadoka Area School District 35-2 | PK–5 | Primary | 124 |
| Kadoka Area High School - 01 | Kadoka Area School District 35-2 | 9–12 | High | 75 |
| Kadoka Middle School - 03 | Kadoka Area School District 35-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 50 |
| Interior Elementary - 09 | Kadoka Area School District 35-2 | KG–8 | Primary | 33 |
| Longvalley Elementary - 10 | Kadoka Area School District 35-2 | KG–8 | Primary | 32 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,994
State avg $7,409
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Jackson County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Jackson County?
How much does Jackson County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Jackson County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Jackson County, South Dakota?
Jackson County supports five public schools including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. A total of 314 students are enrolled across these facilities, all managed by a single school district. This structure provides multiple early-education touchpoints before students transition to the central middle and high schools.
How do schools in Jackson County perform academically?
Jackson County achieves an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 82.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. The county invests $9,994 per pupil, which is well above the South Dakota average of $7,409. These strong investments and outcomes yield a solid composite school score of 60.0.
What are the major school districts in Jackson County, South Dakota?
The Kadoka Area School District 35-2 is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all five schools for its 314 students. There are no charter schools available, ensuring that the local district remains the primary focus for community educational resources. This single-district model allows for consistent curriculum and administrative oversight across the entire county.
What is the school experience like in Jackson County?
Every school in Jackson County is situated in a rural locale, with an average school size of 63 students. Kadoka Elementary is the largest campus with 124 students, while smaller outposts like Longvalley Elementary serve just 32 students in a K-8 setting. The education experience here is defined by personalized attention and a quiet, focused atmosphere.
How can I find homes near good schools in Jackson County, South Dakota?
Homebuyers looking for high graduation rates and strong per-pupil investment will find Jackson County to be a standout option in South Dakota. The county’s commitment to its schools is reflected in performance numbers that exceed both state and national averages. Explore local real estate to find a home within this high-achieving rural school system.
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.