Jones County Schools & Education
Jones County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
36/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
75.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
75.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,164
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
36/100
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
#39
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Jones County
School Verdict
Jones County faces educational challenges with a school score of 36/100 and a graduation rate of 75.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
Jones County spends $8,164 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 Jones County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 7% below the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 7.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 10% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Jones County, South Dakota
A Small-Scale Educational Foundation
Jones County features a concise education infrastructure consisting of three public schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. These facilities serve a total enrollment of 184 students under the management of a single school district. This model ensures that students move through their entire academic career alongside the same peer group.
Strong Investment Despite Lower Graduation Rates
Jones County spends $8,164 per pupil, which exceeds the South Dakota state average of $7,409. However, the graduation rate stands at 75.0%, trailing both the state average of 82.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. These factors result in a composite school score of 48.1, positioning the county near the state median for performance.
Jones County School District Focus
The Jones County School District 37-3 is the sole educational provider, enrolling 184 students across its three local campuses. Public education here is delivered exclusively through the traditional district model, as there are no charter schools in the county. This simplifies the educational landscape for parents and students alike.
The Essence of Rural Schooling
All schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 61 students per facility. Jones County Elementary is the largest school with 79 students, while the high school serves just 51 students. Attending school here means being part of an incredibly small community where teachers can provide highly individualized attention.
Living Near Jones County Schools
Prospective residents will find that Jones County offers an intimate, rural school experience where students are well-known by their peers and educators. With per-pupil spending above the state average, the county demonstrates a clear commitment to funding its local classrooms. Explore homes in the area to join a community that centers its identity around its unified school system.
School Overview
Total Schools
3
in Jones County
Total Enrollment
184
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 Jones County
Jones County School District 37-3
3 Public Schools in Jones County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jones County Elementary - 02 | Jones County School District 37-3 | KG–4 | Primary | 79 |
| Jones County Middle School - 04 | Jones County School District 37-3 | 5–8 | Middle | 54 |
| Jones County High School - 01 | Jones County School District 37-3 | 9–12 | High | 51 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,164
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Jones County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Jones County?
How much does Jones County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Jones County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Jones County, South Dakota?
Jones County features a concise education infrastructure consisting of three public schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. These facilities serve a total enrollment of 184 students under the management of a single school district. This model ensures that students move through their entire academic career alongside the same peer group.
How do schools in Jones County perform academically?
Jones County spends $8,164 per pupil, which exceeds the South Dakota state average of $7,409. However, the graduation rate stands at 75.0%, trailing both the state average of 82.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. These factors result in a composite school score of 48.1, positioning the county near the state median for performance.
What are the major school districts in Jones County, South Dakota?
The Jones County School District 37-3 is the sole educational provider, enrolling 184 students across its three local campuses. Public education here is delivered exclusively through the traditional district model, as there are no charter schools in the county. This simplifies the educational landscape for parents and students alike.
What is the school experience like in Jones County?
All schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 61 students per facility. Jones County Elementary is the largest school with 79 students, while the high school serves just 51 students. Attending school here means being part of an incredibly small community where teachers can provide highly individualized attention.
How can I find homes near good schools in Jones County, South Dakota?
Prospective residents will find that Jones County offers an intimate, rural school experience where students are well-known by their peers and educators. With per-pupil spending above the state average, the county demonstrates a clear commitment to funding its local classrooms. Explore homes in the area to join a community that centers its identity around its unified 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.