Lawrence County Schools & Education
Lawrence County, South Dakota
School Score
30/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
86.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,737
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
30/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
State School Rank
#43
of 65 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Lawrence County, South Dakota
Dynamic Town and Rural Education
Lawrence County operates 14 public schools, comprising five elementary, four middle, and five high schools. These facilities serve 3,281 students across two primary school districts, providing a centralized and efficient educational structure. The system includes four alternative schools to support diverse student needs across the region.
Strong Graduation Rates and Performance
Lawrence County achieves an 86.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. While per-pupil spending is $6,737—lower than the state average—the county maintains a solid composite school score of 51.0. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency and strong student outcomes.
Spearfish and Lead-Deadwood Districts
The Spearfish School District 40-2 is the largest in the county, enrolling 2,438 students across seven schools. The Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 serves an additional 734 students through its four local campuses. With 0% charter school presence, the educational focus remains entirely on these two established traditional districts.
Larger Schools in a Town Setting
Unlike many surrounding areas, 12 of the 14 schools are in town locales, creating a more suburban feel with an average school size of 273 students. Spearfish High School is the largest campus with 796 students, offering a robust range of activities and courses. Smaller town schools, like Lead-Deadwood Elementary with 293 students, still maintain a community-focused atmosphere.
Make Your Home in Lawrence County
Families seeking high graduation rates and larger, town-based school environments will find Lawrence County to be a premier choice. The county’s two main districts offer stable, well-performing schools that are central to the vibrant local communities. Consider making a move to Lawrence County to take advantage of these successful educational programs.
School Overview
Total Schools
14
in Lawrence County
Total Enrollment
3,281
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Lawrence County
Spearfish School District 40-2
Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1
14 Public Schools in Lawrence County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spearfish High School - 01 | Spearfish School District 40-2 | 9–12 | High | 796 |
| Spearfish Middle School - 05 | Spearfish School District 40-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 600 |
| Creekside Elementary - 07 | Spearfish School District 40-2 | 3–5 | Primary | 498 |
| West Elementary - 03 | Spearfish School District 40-2 | 1–2 | Primary | 352 |
| Lead-Deadwood Elementary - 03 | Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 | KG–5 | Primary | 293 |
| Lead-Deadwood High School - 01 | Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 | 9–12 | High | 222 |
| Mountain View Elementary - 08 | Spearfish School District 40-2 | KG | Primary | 168 |
| Lead-Deadwood Middle School - 02 | Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 159 |
| Whitewood Elementary - 04 | Meade School District 46-1 | PK–5 | Primary | 109 |
| Lead-Deadwood Career & Technical Education - 10 | Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 | 9–12 | Vocational | 60 |
| Spearfish Academy at Canyon Hills High School - 10 | Spearfish School District 40-2 | 9–12 | Alternative | 22 |
| Spearfish Academy at Canyon Hills Elementary - 09 | Spearfish School District 40-2 | 4–8 | Alternative | 2 |
| Black Hills Academy at Canyon Hills High School - 07 | Black Hills Special Services Cooperative | 9–12 | Alternative | 0 |
| Black Hills Academy at Canyon Hills - 08 | Black Hills Special Services Cooperative | 4–8 | Alternative | 0 |
Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1
Spearfish School District 40-2
Spearfish School District 40-2
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,737
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Lawrence County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Lawrence County, South Dakota?
Lawrence County operates 14 public schools, comprising five elementary, four middle, and five high schools. These facilities serve 3,281 students across two primary school districts, providing a centralized and efficient educational structure. The system includes four alternative schools to support diverse student needs across the region.
How do schools in Lawrence County perform academically?
Lawrence County achieves an 86.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. While per-pupil spending is $6,737—lower than the state average—the county maintains a solid composite school score of 51.0. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency and strong student outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Lawrence County, South Dakota?
The Spearfish School District 40-2 is the largest in the county, enrolling 2,438 students across seven schools. The Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 serves an additional 734 students through its four local campuses. With 0% charter school presence, the educational focus remains entirely on these two established traditional districts.
What is the school experience like in Lawrence County?
Unlike many surrounding areas, 12 of the 14 schools are in town locales, creating a more suburban feel with an average school size of 273 students. Spearfish High School is the largest campus with 796 students, offering a robust range of activities and courses. Smaller town schools, like Lead-Deadwood Elementary with 293 students, still maintain a community-focused atmosphere.
How can I find homes near good schools in Lawrence County, South Dakota?
Families seeking high graduation rates and larger, town-based school environments will find Lawrence County to be a premier choice. The county’s two main districts offer stable, well-performing schools that are central to the vibrant local communities. Consider making a move to Lawrence County to take advantage of these successful educational programs.
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.