Yankton County Schools & Education

Yankton County, South Dakota

NCES + U.S. Census Bureau

School Score

42/100

Higher = better

Rating

Average

Graduation Rate

92.7%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

92.7%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 82.4%

Per-Pupil Spending

$5,777

National avg $13,239

State avg $7,409

School Score

42/100

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

#26

of 65 counties (1 = best)

Education Advisory: Yankton County

School Verdict

Yankton County performs at an average level with a school score of 42/100 and a solid graduation rate of 92.7%.

Funding Context

At $5,777 per pupil, Yankton County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.

Attainment Context

Educational attainment data for Yankton County is not available.

Neighbor Context

Its school score is 9% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 10.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 22% lower than the state norm.

Education Overview

About Schools in Yankton County, South Dakota

A Major Educational Hub in Southeast SD

Yankton County manages a significant student population of 3,345 across 10 public schools. The infrastructure is robust, featuring six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Three different districts collaborate to provide comprehensive education for the county's diverse needs.

Exceptional Graduation and High Efficiency

Yankton County achieves a remarkable 92.7% graduation rate, which is over 10 percentage points higher than the state average. This is accomplished with a lean per-pupil expenditure of only $5,777, the lowest in the region and far below the national average of $13,000. Despite the low spending, the county maintains a solid school score of 52.3.

Yankton School District's Broad Reach

The Yankton School District 63-3 is the dominant provider, serving 3,036 students across six schools. Smaller districts like Menno and Gayville-Volin also play vital roles, serving around 290 students each. There are no charter schools in Yankton County, meaning these traditional districts are the pillars of the community.

Large Town Schools and Rural Outposts

The county features six schools in town settings and four in rural areas, with an average school size of 335 students. Yankton High School is the largest facility by far with 942 students, creating a more traditional "large school" experience. This variety allows for both large-scale programs and more intimate rural elementary settings.

Secure Your Future in Yankton's Top Schools

Families are consistently drawn to Yankton County for its high-performing schools and diverse educational environments. Whether you want the resources of the large Yankton High or the community feel of Gayville-Volin, this county has it all. Browse local listings to find your next home in this high-graduation-rate county.

School Overview

Total Schools

10

in Yankton County

Total Enrollment

3,345

students

School Districts

3

districts

Charter Schools

0

0% of total

Student-Teacher Ratio

county average

Free Lunch (Median)

of students countywide

School Type Breakdown

Elementary6
Middle2
High2
Other0

3 School Districts in Yankton County

Yankton School District 63-3

6 schools
3,036 students

Gayville-Volin School District 63-1

3 schools
289 students

Menno School District 33-2

5 schools
288 students

10 Public Schools in Yankton County

Yankton High School - 01

Yankton School District 63-3

9–12High942 students
Yankton Middle School - 02

Yankton School District 63-3

6–8Middle606 students
Lincoln Elementary - 04

Yankton School District 63-3

KG–5Primary410 students
Beadle Elementary - 03

Yankton School District 63-3

KG–5Primary404 students
Webster Elementary - 06

Yankton School District 63-3

PK–5Primary396 students
Stewart Elementary - 05

Yankton School District 63-3

KG–5Primary278 students
Gayville-Volin Elementary - 02

Gayville-Volin School District 63-1

PK–5Primary144 students
Gayville-Volin High School - 01

Gayville-Volin School District 63-1

9–12High82 students
Gayville-Volin Middle School - 03

Gayville-Volin School District 63-1

6–8Middle63 students
Jamesville Colony Elementary - 03

Menno School District 33-2

KG–8Primary20 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$5,777

State avg $7,409

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do schools in Yankton County rate?
Yankton County has a school score of 42/100, which is considered average. This score is calculated from graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and educational attainment data from NCES and the U.S. Census Bureau.
What is the graduation rate in Yankton County?
The high school graduation rate in Yankton County is 92.7%, which is above the national average of 87.5%. This figure is based on NCES district-level data for public high schools in the county.
How much does Yankton County spend per student?
Yankton County spends $5,777 per pupil annually on public education, based on NCES district finance data. This includes instructional costs, support services, and capital expenditures allocated across the student population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Yankton County, South Dakota — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Yankton County, South Dakota?

Yankton County manages a significant student population of 3,345 across 10 public schools. The infrastructure is robust, featuring six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Three different districts collaborate to provide comprehensive education for the county's diverse needs.

How do schools in Yankton County perform academically?

Yankton County achieves a remarkable 92.7% graduation rate, which is over 10 percentage points higher than the state average. This is accomplished with a lean per-pupil expenditure of only $5,777, the lowest in the region and far below the national average of $13,000. Despite the low spending, the county maintains a solid school score of 52.3.

What are the major school districts in Yankton County, South Dakota?

The Yankton School District 63-3 is the dominant provider, serving 3,036 students across six schools. Smaller districts like Menno and Gayville-Volin also play vital roles, serving around 290 students each. There are no charter schools in Yankton County, meaning these traditional districts are the pillars of the community.

What is the school experience like in Yankton County?

The county features six schools in town settings and four in rural areas, with an average school size of 335 students. Yankton High School is the largest facility by far with 942 students, creating a more traditional "large school" experience. This variety allows for both large-scale programs and more intimate rural elementary settings.

How can I find homes near good schools in Yankton County, South Dakota?

Families are consistently drawn to Yankton County for its high-performing schools and diverse educational environments. Whether you want the resources of the large Yankton High or the community feel of Gayville-Volin, this county has it all. Browse local listings to find your next home in this high-graduation-rate county.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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.