U.S. News has determined nationwide rankings of nearly 25,000 public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The rankings cover traditional high schools, as well as charter, magnet, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) institutions. According to the official website, about 17,660 schools were ranked based on six key factors, including state ratings and performance in college readiness.
In addition to national rankings, U.S. News also identified the best public high schools in each state. Today, we spotlight the top 15 public high schools in South Dakota, recognized for their academic excellence and student success.
Top 15 Public High Schools in South Dakota
The ranking of the top 15 public high schools in South Dakota highlights the diversity of institutions that excel in graduation rates, college readiness, and student enrollment. Lincoln High School, ranked first, combines a strong graduation rate of 88% with a high enrollment of 1,883 students and a college readiness score of 50.6, the highest among the listed schools. It reflects an emphasis on preparing students for higher education while serving a larger population.
Warner High School, ranked second, boasts an excellent 100% graduation rate but does not report college readiness scores. With an enrollment of only 87 students, the school exemplifies individual attention to academic success. Similarly, small schools such as Ipswich, Castlewood, and Gettysburg high schools, each with fewer than 120 students, maintain excellent graduation rates but lack data on college readiness, which focuses on basic academic achievement. indicates focus.
Larger schools such as Washington High School and Roosevelt High School have substantial enrollment numbers (over 1,700 students) but lower college readiness scores than Lincoln High School.
Meanwhile, schools like Hill City (27.2) and Spearfish High School (18.8) balance moderate college readiness scores with high graduation rates, making them notable choices.
The analysis reflects a trade-off between college readiness and scale, with smaller schools excelling in graduation rates and larger schools focusing on college readiness.