Turner County Schools & Education
Turner County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
37/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,465
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
37/100
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
#36
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Turner County
School Verdict
Turner County faces educational challenges with a school score of 37/100 and a graduation rate of 89.9%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,465 per pupil, Turner County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Turner County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 3% below the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 7.5 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 13% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Turner County, South Dakota
A Diverse Landscape of Local Districts
Turner County features 15 public schools, providing an exceptionally high number of local options for its 1,529 students. The system is perfectly balanced with five elementary, five middle, and five high schools. Five different school districts operate within the county, reflecting a community-led approach to education.
High Graduation Rates with Lean Spending
Turner County achieves a strong 89.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 82.4%. This success comes despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $6,465, which is well below both the state and national averages. The county's school score of 52.3 indicates that local districts are effectively preparing students for the future.
Five Districts, One Common Goal
The Viborg-Hurley School District 60-6 is the largest in the county with 418 students, followed by Centerville and Marion districts. There are no charter schools, so these five local districts manage all 1,529 students. This decentralized structure ensures that each small town maintains its own educational identity and local control.
The Quintessential Rural Education Experience
All 15 schools in Turner County are situated in rural locales, providing a consistent environment for all students. The average school size is a modest 102 students, fostering close relationships between teachers and pupils. Parker Elementary is the largest campus at 262 students, while many other schools serve fewer than 100 students.
Find Your Place in Turner County Schools
With five different districts to choose from, families moving to Turner County can find a school environment that perfectly fits their needs. The high graduation rates across these rural districts make the area a top choice for education-focused homebuyers. Start your search today to discover the unique charm of Turner County's school communities.
School Overview
Total Schools
15
in Turner County
Total Enrollment
1,529
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Turner County
Parker School District 60-4
Viborg-Hurley School District 60-6
Irene - Wakonda School District 13-3
Centerville School District 60-1
Marion School District 60-3
15 Public Schools in Turner County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker Elementary - 02 | Parker School District 60-4 | PK–6 | Primary | 262 |
| Viborg-Hurley Elementary - 02 | Viborg-Hurley School District 60-6 | PK–4 | Primary | 161 |
| Parker High School - 01 | Parker School District 60-4 | 9–12 | High | 157 |
| Centerville Elementary - 02 | Centerville School District 60-1 | PK–5 | Primary | 128 |
| Viborg-Hurley Middle School - 03 | Viborg-Hurley School District 60-6 | 5–8 | Middle | 125 |
| Viborg-Hurley High School - 01 | Viborg-Hurley School District 60-6 | 9–12 | High | 119 |
| Marion Elementary - 02 | Marion School District 60-3 | PK–5 | Primary | 96 |
| Centerville High School - 01 | Centerville School District 60-1 | 9–12 | High | 88 |
| Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 | Irene - Wakonda School District 13-3 | 9–12 | High | 82 |
| Centerville Middle School - 03 | Centerville School District 60-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 74 |
| Parker Jr. High - 03 | Parker School District 60-4 | 7–8 | Middle | 72 |
| Marion High School - 01 | Marion School District 60-3 | 9–12 | High | 55 |
| Irene - Wakonda Jr. High - 04 | Irene - Wakonda School District 13-3 | 7–8 | Middle | 49 |
| Marion Middle School - 03 | Marion School District 60-3 | 6–8 | Middle | 48 |
| Cameron Colony Elementary - 04 | Viborg-Hurley School District 60-6 | KG–8 | Primary | 13 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,465
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Turner County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Turner County?
How much does Turner County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Turner County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Turner County, South Dakota?
Turner County features 15 public schools, providing an exceptionally high number of local options for its 1,529 students. The system is perfectly balanced with five elementary, five middle, and five high schools. Five different school districts operate within the county, reflecting a community-led approach to education.
How do schools in Turner County perform academically?
Turner County achieves a strong 89.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 82.4%. This success comes despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $6,465, which is well below both the state and national averages. The county's school score of 52.3 indicates that local districts are effectively preparing students for the future.
What are the major school districts in Turner County, South Dakota?
The Viborg-Hurley School District 60-6 is the largest in the county with 418 students, followed by Centerville and Marion districts. There are no charter schools, so these five local districts manage all 1,529 students. This decentralized structure ensures that each small town maintains its own educational identity and local control.
What is the school experience like in Turner County?
All 15 schools in Turner County are situated in rural locales, providing a consistent environment for all students. The average school size is a modest 102 students, fostering close relationships between teachers and pupils. Parker Elementary is the largest campus at 262 students, while many other schools serve fewer than 100 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Turner County, South Dakota?
With five different districts to choose from, families moving to Turner County can find a school environment that perfectly fits their needs. The high graduation rates across these rural districts make the area a top choice for education-focused homebuyers. Start your search today to discover the unique charm of Turner County's school communities.
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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.