2023 Best School Districts in the Sioux Falls Area

• Brandon, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: I gave Brandon Valley High School a five-star ranking because I truly believe that it is one of the best high schools in the country. We have led our state in academics the majority of the last few years and was even ranked #1 on Niche's top schools in South Dakota. I like my school for many reasons. Brandon Valley goes above and beyond the main purpose of a high school, and that is to ready kids for college. Here we have sported the highest ACT scores and sent many kids of the post-secondary schools where they became successful in life, while also being successful as people. Yes, when people think about school they think mostly academically. Brandon Valley is much more than that! There are so many extra-curricular activities at school that you are sure to find something that you are interested in. For many, finding your club and your group of people is something great that will help you grow in many ways. Brandon Valley is truly a great place to be.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,721

• Sioux Falls, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  140 reviews

Senior: The Sioux Falls School District has prepared me very well for college and further schooling! Every year I felt welcomed in every one of the four schools I went to. When I rode the bus in elementary school and middle school, the busses were almost always on time. The only thing I would say the district needs to work on would be the discrepancy between some schools. Lincoln High School seems much nicer than Washington, probably because Washington is older.... Read 140 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 43

• Students 24,868

• Inwood, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: I have been a student at west lyon and have had an overall great experience. The education is remarkable because the teachers love their jobs and care for the students. You can't walk through the halls without anyone saying hello and starting a conversation. The atmosphere at this school is amazing especially since everyone is friendly. There are many activities that are available for anyone! From sports to arts everyone can be involved. The only thing that I would say that could change is the lunches. Kids leave the lunchroom still hungry and ask a bunch of people for food.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 976

• Dell Rapids, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

Junior: My favorite thing about Dell Rapids High School is how accommodating the faculty has been. I suffer from a severe, debilitating autoimmune disorder known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, POTS for short. The school has been very understanding and accommodating to my needs, and I could not be more grateful! There is no doubt in my mind that the teachers want to see me succeed. I would recommend this school district to anyone in the area!... Read 13 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 3

• Students 978

• Hills, MN•

• School District

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  Rating 2 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: Overall, a good school. Everyone is close and you know that you can count on each other when there are problems... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 2

• Students 388

• Harrisburg, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  30 reviews

Freshman: I enjoyed the school's overall environment, and the teacher's are amazing (though it is personal preference). They offer many clubs and activities for extracurriculars. They do a decent job transitioning through elementary to middle school and to highschool. They also offer a variety of chances for volunteer work for older students and internships as well as being peer editors.... Read 30 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,457

• Luverne, MN•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  10 reviews

Alum: Attending LPS was an excellent experience for me. Compared to other schools in the area, LPS does an excellent job of preparing students for life beyond school. The school has excellent teaching talent at its disposal, although it offers comparatively few upper-level classes (AP and college level). There is a wide variety of activities offered at LPS despite its small size, and the school contributes much to the rich musical traditions of Luverne. Many athletic and forensics teams have records of going to state for consecutive years.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,182

• Colton, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.45 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: The Tri-Valley School District is a great district. It is a small school in a rural local. All of the staff and faculty are always so helpful and supportive, as well as the parents of the children. The students build great relationships with the staff, and the academics are just as good. The district could improve on the College Readiness. They do an excellent job of preparing for college, but they could improve on some aspects of preparation for college.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 3

• Students 987

• Tea, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: The teachers and staff were extremely helpful during the pandemic, they made us feel apart of the tea area community. When we were online, they gave us all of the material that we needed to do great in that particular class. Also the teachers made sure that we got all of the things that they were teaching us, by providing online meetings and made sure to answer all of the questions that we had. The district is also very involved in sporting events and wants us to excel in all aspects. They allow us to build a relationship with the coaches and players on our team.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,061

• Parker, SD•

• School District

• grade B

• Total schools 3

• Students 486

• Baltic, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: Great school, small-town community, and helpful teachers! The counselor is very helpful and great at preparing students for college!... Read 8 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 560

• Lennox, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Alum: I enjoyed the opportunities given. I would like to see an advance in the facilities at the school. This would provide more opportunities for the students.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,199

• Garretson, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Alum: I liked the small town feel of the Garretson School District. I was familiar with the students and staff. I always felt comfortable going to the teachers and asking questions. One thing that I would like to see changed would be to give more options of classes for the students.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 497

• Hartford, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: I feel like everyone is really close at West Central. I have a good relationship with my classmates, teachers, and other staff members at the school. I don’t feel like I am just a number.... Read 60 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 6

• Students 1,384

• Canton, SD•

• School District

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: The teachers are great! The energy of the school is very positive and a good learning environment. The only thing I would change would be to get better food.... Read 4 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 3

• Students 868