Kingsbury County Schools & Education
Kingsbury County, South Dakota
School Score
50/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,991
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
50/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
State School Rank
#17
of 65 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Kingsbury County, South Dakota
A Broad Network of Rural Schools
Kingsbury County maintains an extensive educational network of 15 public schools, including five elementary, four middle, and five high schools. These schools serve 1,082 students and are distributed across four distinct school districts. This variety of districts and school levels offers a wide range of local options for families.
Competitive Graduation Rates and Funding
Kingsbury County boasts an 87.7% graduation rate, which exceeds both the South Dakota state average of 82.4% and the national average. The county spends $7,991 per pupil, placing its investment level above the state average of $7,409. These strong metrics result in an above-average composite school score of 54.5.
Exploring the Four Local Districts
Public education is split between four districts, with the Arlington School District 38-1 and De Smet School District 38-2 being the largest. There are no charter schools in the county, so the 1,082 students are entirely served by these traditional public districts. This multi-district setup allows for specialized focus and local control within different parts of the county.
Classic Rural Learning across the County
All 15 schools in the county are in rural settings, maintaining a comfortable average size of 72 students per school. Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary in De Smet is the largest campus with 163 students, while several smaller high schools anchor their respective towns. The school experience here is characterized by strong town identity and small class sizes.
Settling into a Kingsbury County Community
With graduation rates that beat state and national benchmarks, Kingsbury County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. The presence of four different districts allows homebuyers to choose a specific community that fits their values while enjoying high levels of per-pupil investment. Browse local listings to find a home near these high-performing rural schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
15
in Kingsbury County
Total Enrollment
1,082
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Kingsbury County
De Smet School District 38-2
Arlington School District 38-1
Iroquois School District 02-3
Lake Preston School District 38-3
15 Public Schools in Kingsbury County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary - 02 | De Smet School District 38-2 | PK–5 | Primary | 163 |
| Arlington Elementary - 02 | Arlington School District 38-1 | KG–6 | Primary | 155 |
| Iroquois Elementary - 04 | Iroquois School District 02-3 | PK–5 | Primary | 115 |
| Lake Preston Elementary - 02 | Lake Preston School District 38-3 | PK–5 | Primary | 102 |
| Arlington High School - 01 | Arlington School District 38-1 | 9–12 | High | 88 |
| De Smet High School - 01 | De Smet School District 38-2 | 9–12 | High | 82 |
| De Smet Middle School - 03 | De Smet School District 38-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 82 |
| Iroquois High School - 01 | Iroquois School District 02-3 | 9–12 | High | 66 |
| Iroquois Middle School - 02 | Iroquois School District 02-3 | 6–8 | Middle | 49 |
| Lake Preston High School - 01 | Lake Preston School District 38-3 | 9–12 | High | 49 |
| Arlington Jr. High - 03 | Arlington School District 38-1 | 7–8 | Middle | 38 |
| Lake Preston Middle School - 03 | Lake Preston School District 38-3 | 6–8 | Middle | 36 |
| Spring Lake Colony Elementary - 04 | Oldham - Ramona School District 39-5 | KG–8 | Primary | 22 |
| Arlington Preschool - 04 | Arlington School District 38-1 | PK | Other | 22 |
| Spring Lake Colony High School - 05 | Oldham - Ramona School District 39-5 | 9–12 | High | 13 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,991
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Kingsbury County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Kingsbury County, South Dakota?
Kingsbury County maintains an extensive educational network of 15 public schools, including five elementary, four middle, and five high schools. These schools serve 1,082 students and are distributed across four distinct school districts. This variety of districts and school levels offers a wide range of local options for families.
How do schools in Kingsbury County perform academically?
Kingsbury County boasts an 87.7% graduation rate, which exceeds both the South Dakota state average of 82.4% and the national average. The county spends $7,991 per pupil, placing its investment level above the state average of $7,409. These strong metrics result in an above-average composite school score of 54.5.
What are the major school districts in Kingsbury County, South Dakota?
Public education is split between four districts, with the Arlington School District 38-1 and De Smet School District 38-2 being the largest. There are no charter schools in the county, so the 1,082 students are entirely served by these traditional public districts. This multi-district setup allows for specialized focus and local control within different parts of the county.
What is the school experience like in Kingsbury County?
All 15 schools in the county are in rural settings, maintaining a comfortable average size of 72 students per school. Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary in De Smet is the largest campus with 163 students, while several smaller high schools anchor their respective towns. The school experience here is characterized by strong town identity and small class sizes.
How can I find homes near good schools in Kingsbury County, South Dakota?
With graduation rates that beat state and national benchmarks, Kingsbury County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. The presence of four different districts allows homebuyers to choose a specific community that fits their values while enjoying high levels of per-pupil investment. Browse local listings to find a home near these high-performing rural schools.
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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.