Minnehaha County Schools & Education
Minnehaha County, South Dakota
School Score
24/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,848
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
24/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
State School Rank
#52
of 65 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Minnehaha County, South Dakota
South Dakota's Largest Educational Hub
Minnehaha County supports a massive network of 80 public schools, including 39 elementary and 21 high schools. Eight different school districts manage a total enrollment of 34,666 students. This is the state's most complex and varied educational environment.
Urban Scale with Strong Outcomes
The county maintains a graduation rate of 87.6%, beating both state and national averages. While per-pupil spending is efficient at $5,848, the massive scale allows for diverse programming that smaller counties cannot offer. The county's performance remains consistent with the state median despite its large urban population.
Sioux Falls and Brandon Valley Districts
The Sioux Falls School District 49-5 is the state's largest, serving over 25,000 students across 43 schools. Brandon Valley also provides a significant secondary option with 4,949 students. No charter schools are currently operating, as these large districts offer extensive specialized programs internally.
From Big City Highs to Rural Classrooms
The county features a diverse mix of 45 city schools and 29 rural schools, with an average size of 488 students. Washington High School is the county's largest, enrolling 1,910 students. Families can choose between large-scale urban high schools or smaller rural facilities within the same county.
Endless Options in the Sioux Falls Region
Minnehaha County offers the most diverse housing and school options in South Dakota. Whether you want a home near a major high school with elite athletics or a quiet rural elementary, you will find it here. Explore local real estate to join a district that combines urban opportunity with high graduation standards.
School Overview
Total Schools
80
in Minnehaha County
Total Enrollment
34,666
students
School Districts
8
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
8 School Districts in Minnehaha County
Sioux Falls School District 49-5
Brandon Valley School District 49-2
West Central School District 49-7
Dell Rapids School District 49-3
Tri-Valley School District 49-6
Baltic School District 49-1
Garretson School District 49-4
East Dakota Educational Cooperative
80 Public Schools in Minnehaha County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington High School - 01 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 9–12 | High | 1,910 |
| Lincoln High School - 02 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 9–12 | High | 1,883 |
| Jefferson High School - 67 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 9–12 | High | 1,749 |
| Roosevelt High School - 03 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 9–12 | High | 1,713 |
| Brandon Valley High School - 01 | Brandon Valley School District 49-2 | 9–12 | High | 1,345 |
| Memorial Middle School - 04 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 6–8 | Middle | 1,168 |
| Ben Reifel Middle School - 68 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 6–8 | Middle | 1,010 |
| RF Pettigrew Elementary - 17 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | PK–5 | Primary | 952 |
| Patrick Henry Middle School - 07 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 6–8 | Middle | 940 |
| Edison Middle School - 06 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 6–8 | Middle | 916 |
| Discovery Elementary - 26 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | PK–5 | Primary | 877 |
| Brandon Valley Middle School - 02 | Brandon Valley School District 49-2 | 7–8 | Middle | 729 |
| Rosa Parks Elementary - 15 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | KG–5 | Primary | 729 |
| Brandon Valley Intermediate - 07 | Brandon Valley School District 49-2 | 5–6 | Middle | 728 |
| George McGovern Middle School -09 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 6–8 | Middle | 719 |
| John Harris Elementary - 23 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | PK–5 | Primary | 706 |
| Whittier Middle School - 08 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | 6–8 | Middle | 704 |
| Brandon Elementary - 03 | Brandon Valley School District 49-2 | PK–4 | Primary | 701 |
| John F. Kennedy Elementary - 57 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | KG–5 | Primary | 682 |
| Sonia Sotomayor Elementary - 65 | Sioux Falls School District 49-5 | PK–5 | Primary | 676 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,848
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Minnehaha County, South Dakota?
Minnehaha County supports a massive network of 80 public schools, including 39 elementary and 21 high schools. Eight different school districts manage a total enrollment of 34,666 students. This is the state's most complex and varied educational environment.
How do schools in Minnehaha County perform academically?
The county maintains a graduation rate of 87.6%, beating both state and national averages. While per-pupil spending is efficient at $5,848, the massive scale allows for diverse programming that smaller counties cannot offer. The county's performance remains consistent with the state median despite its large urban population.
What are the major school districts in Minnehaha County, South Dakota?
The Sioux Falls School District 49-5 is the state's largest, serving over 25,000 students across 43 schools. Brandon Valley also provides a significant secondary option with 4,949 students. No charter schools are currently operating, as these large districts offer extensive specialized programs internally.
What is the school experience like in Minnehaha County?
The county features a diverse mix of 45 city schools and 29 rural schools, with an average size of 488 students. Washington High School is the county's largest, enrolling 1,910 students. Families can choose between large-scale urban high schools or smaller rural facilities within the same county.
How can I find homes near good schools in Minnehaha County, South Dakota?
Minnehaha County offers the most diverse housing and school options in South Dakota. Whether you want a home near a major high school with elite athletics or a quiet rural elementary, you will find it here. Explore local real estate to join a district that combines urban opportunity with high graduation standards.
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.