Lake County Schools & Education
Lake County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
9/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
68.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
68.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,096
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
9/100
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
#65
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Lake County
School Verdict
Lake County faces educational challenges with a school score of 9/100 and a graduation rate of 68.8%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,096 per pupil, Lake County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Lake County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 77% below the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 13.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 18% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Lake County, South Dakota
A Diverse and Scaling School System
Lake County manages 17 public schools, including seven elementary, four middle, and six high schools. The system supports 2,034 students across four different school districts, including one alternative school. This infrastructure provides a mix of traditional and specialized learning pathways for a growing student population.
Growth and Educational Investment Levels
The county reports a graduation rate of 68.8%, which is below the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. Per-pupil expenditure currently sits at $6,096, which is lower than the state average and the national benchmark of $13,000. These figures result in a composite school score of 40.4 as the county works to balance growth with performance.
Spotlight on Lake County Districts
The Chester Area School District 39-1 is the largest by school count, though Madison Central schools host the most students. There are no charter schools in the county, but the presence of an alternative school and cyber programs provides variety within the traditional district framework. These districts serve a combined total of over 2,000 students.
From Town Centers to Rural Outposts
The county features a mix of 14 rural schools and 3 town-based schools, with an average school size of 120 students. Madison Elementary is the largest facility with 508 students, while smaller rural elementary schools offer much smaller cohorts. This allows families to choose between a larger town school experience and a more intimate rural setting.
Finding the Right School Fit in Lake County
Lake County offers a broad spectrum of educational environments, from the larger town schools in Madison to quiet rural campuses. For families researching homes, the variety of districts and school sizes provides many options to match their child's learning style. Explore local real estate to find the perfect home near Lake County’s diverse public schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
17
in Lake County
Total Enrollment
2,034
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Lake County
Madison Central School District 39-2
Chester Area School District 39-1
Rutland School District 39-4
Oldham - Ramona School District 39-5
17 Public Schools in Lake County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Elementary - 07 | Madison Central School District 39-2 | KG–5 | Primary | 508 |
| Madison High School - 01 | Madison Central School District 39-2 | 9–12 | High | 382 |
| Madison Middle School - 02 | Madison Central School District 39-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 257 |
| Chester Elementary -02 | Chester Area School District 39-1 | PK–5 | Primary | 159 |
| Chester Area Cyber School - 92 | Chester Area School District 39-1 | 9–12 | High | 123 |
| Chester High School - 01 | Chester Area School District 39-1 | 9–12 | High | 116 |
| Rutland Elementary - 02 | Rutland School District 39-4 | PK–5 | Primary | 79 |
| Chester Middle School - 03 | Chester Area School District 39-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 75 |
| Oldham-Ramona Elementary - 02 | Oldham - Ramona School District 39-5 | PK–6 | Primary | 66 |
| High Plains - 06 | Chester Area School District 39-1 | 9–12 | Alternative | 52 |
| Rutland Jr. High - 03 | Rutland School District 39-4 | 6–8 | Middle | 48 |
| Oldham-Ramona High School - 01 | Oldham - Ramona School District 39-5 | 9–12 | High | 40 |
| Rutland High School - 01 | Rutland School District 39-4 | 9–12 | High | 40 |
| Rustic Acres Elementary - 04 | Chester Area School District 39-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 36 |
| Camridge Colony School - 04 | Rutland School District 39-4 | KG–8 | Primary | 22 |
| Oldham-Ramona Jr. High - 03 | Oldham - Ramona School District 39-5 | 7–8 | Middle | 16 |
| Graceville Colony - 07 | Chester Area School District 39-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 15 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,096
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Lake County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Lake County?
How much does Lake County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Lake County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Lake County, South Dakota?
Lake County manages 17 public schools, including seven elementary, four middle, and six high schools. The system supports 2,034 students across four different school districts, including one alternative school. This infrastructure provides a mix of traditional and specialized learning pathways for a growing student population.
How do schools in Lake County perform academically?
The county reports a graduation rate of 68.8%, which is below the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. Per-pupil expenditure currently sits at $6,096, which is lower than the state average and the national benchmark of $13,000. These figures result in a composite school score of 40.4 as the county works to balance growth with performance.
What are the major school districts in Lake County, South Dakota?
The Chester Area School District 39-1 is the largest by school count, though Madison Central schools host the most students. There are no charter schools in the county, but the presence of an alternative school and cyber programs provides variety within the traditional district framework. These districts serve a combined total of over 2,000 students.
What is the school experience like in Lake County?
The county features a mix of 14 rural schools and 3 town-based schools, with an average school size of 120 students. Madison Elementary is the largest facility with 508 students, while smaller rural elementary schools offer much smaller cohorts. This allows families to choose between a larger town school experience and a more intimate rural setting.
How can I find homes near good schools in Lake County, South Dakota?
Lake County offers a broad spectrum of educational environments, from the larger town schools in Madison to quiet rural campuses. For families researching homes, the variety of districts and school sizes provides many options to match their child's learning style. Explore local real estate to find the perfect home near Lake County’s diverse public schools.
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.