Meade County Schools & Education
Meade County, South Dakota
School Score
13/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
82.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,697
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
13/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
State School Rank
#61
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Explore Meade County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Meade County, South Dakota
A Diverse and Robust School Infrastructure
Meade County supports 16 public schools, including 10 elementary and three middle schools, serving 3,513 students. The county features a mix of traditional, special education, and various locale settings. Three districts, including a specialized cooperative, manage this large-scale system.
Scaling Education for a Growing Population
Meade County achieves an 82.9% graduation rate, which is slightly above the state average. The county operates on a lean $5,697 per-pupil expenditure, well below the national average of $13,000. Despite the lower spending, the system manages thousands of students with a composite score of 47.0.
Meade School District 46-1 Leads
Meade School District 46-1 is the dominant provider, enrolling 3,068 students across 11 schools. Faith School District 46-2 and Black Hills Special Services also serve the county's diverse needs. No charter schools exist here, as the public districts handle all student enrollment.
A Blend of Town and Rural Environments
Unlike many neighbors, Meade features a mix of rural, town, and suburban locales, with an average school size of 234 students. Sturgis Brown High School is the largest with 842 students, while specialized rural sites remain much smaller. This variety allows families to choose between larger town facilities or quiet rural schools.
Diverse Living Options Near Sturgis Schools
Whether you prefer suburban neighborhoods or rural acreage, Meade County has a school setting to match. The large district size ensures a wide range of extracurricular and academic programs for students. Look for homes in the Piedmont Valley or Sturgis areas to join this active educational community.
School Overview
Total Schools
16
in Meade County
Total Enrollment
3,513
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Meade County
Meade School District 46-1
Faith School District 46-2
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
16 Public Schools in Meade County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sturgis Brown High School - 01 | Meade School District 46-1 | 9–12 | High | 842 |
| Sturgis Elementary - 03 | Meade School District 46-1 | KG–4 | Primary | 552 |
| Piedmont Valley Elementary - 05 | Meade School District 46-1 | KG–4 | Primary | 523 |
| Sturgis Williams Middle School - 02 | Meade School District 46-1 | 5–8 | Middle | 489 |
| Stagebarn Middle School - 10 | Meade School District 46-1 | 5–8 | Middle | 457 |
| Black Hawk Elementary - 03 | Rapid City Area School District 51-4 | KG–5 | Primary | 370 |
| Faith High School - 01 | Faith School District 46-2 | 9–12 | High | 80 |
| Faith Elementary - 02 | Faith School District 46-2 | KG–6 | Primary | 64 |
| Central Meade County School - 09 | Meade School District 46-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 56 |
| Faith Jr. High - 06 | Faith School District 46-2 | 7–8 | Middle | 26 |
| Maurine Elementary - 04 | Faith School District 46-2 | KG–8 | Primary | 14 |
| Opal Elementary - 15 | Meade School District 46-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 14 |
| Hereford Elementary - 08 | Meade School District 46-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 11 |
| Atall Elementary - 17 | Meade School District 46-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 9 |
| Elm Springs Elementary - 13 | Meade School District 46-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 6 |
| Developmental Disabilities Program - 01 | Black Hills Special Services Cooperative | PK–12 | Special Education | 0 |
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,697
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Meade County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Meade County, South Dakota?
Meade County supports 16 public schools, including 10 elementary and three middle schools, serving 3,513 students. The county features a mix of traditional, special education, and various locale settings. Three districts, including a specialized cooperative, manage this large-scale system.
How do schools in Meade County perform academically?
Meade County achieves an 82.9% graduation rate, which is slightly above the state average. The county operates on a lean $5,697 per-pupil expenditure, well below the national average of $13,000. Despite the lower spending, the system manages thousands of students with a composite score of 47.0.
What are the major school districts in Meade County, South Dakota?
Meade School District 46-1 is the dominant provider, enrolling 3,068 students across 11 schools. Faith School District 46-2 and Black Hills Special Services also serve the county's diverse needs. No charter schools exist here, as the public districts handle all student enrollment.
What is the school experience like in Meade County?
Unlike many neighbors, Meade features a mix of rural, town, and suburban locales, with an average school size of 234 students. Sturgis Brown High School is the largest with 842 students, while specialized rural sites remain much smaller. This variety allows families to choose between larger town facilities or quiet rural schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Meade County, South Dakota?
Whether you prefer suburban neighborhoods or rural acreage, Meade County has a school setting to match. The large district size ensures a wide range of extracurricular and academic programs for students. Look for homes in the Piedmont Valley or Sturgis areas to join this active educational community.
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.