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U.S. News has unveiled its nationwide rankings of nearly 25,000 public high schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The rankings encompass traditional high schools, as well as charter, magnet, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) institutions. According to the official website, approximately 17,660 schools were ranked based on six key factors, including performance on state assessments and college readiness.
In addition to the national rankings, U.S. News has 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
| Name of the School | South Dakota Ranking | Graduation Rate | College Readiness | Enrollment (9-12) |
| Lincoln High School | 1 | 88% | 50.6 | 1,883 |
| Warner High School | 2 | 100% | - | 87 |
| Stevens High School - 42 | 3 | 96% | 26.4 | 1,686 |
| Brandon Valley High School | 4 | 98% | 10.3 | 1,345 |
| Northwestern High School | 5 | 96% | - | 88 |
| Spearfish High School | 6 | 97% | 18.8 | 769 |
| Dakota Valley High School | 7 | 97% | 19.9 | 448 |
| Gettysburg High School | 8 | 100% | - | 68 |
| T F Riggs High School | 9 | 97% | 16.3 | 842 |
| Ipswich High School | 10 | 100% | - | 114 |
| Hill City High School | 11 | 100% | 27.2 | 152 |
| Washington High School | 12 | 88% | 34.3 | 1,910 |
| Castlewood High School | 13 | 100% | - | 91 |
| Roosevelt High School | 14 | 91% | 33.3 | 1,713 |
| Chamberlain High School | 15 | 98% | 22.8 | 272 |
The rankings of the top 15 public high schools in South Dakota highlight a diverse range of institutions excelling in graduation rates, college readiness, and student enrollment. Lincoln High School, ranked first, combines a strong graduation rate of 88% with high enrollment of 1,883 students and a college readiness score of 50.6, the highest among the listed schools. This reflects its emphasis on preparing students for higher education while serving a large population.
Warner High School, ranked second, boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate but does not report a college readiness score. With an enrollment of only 87 students, the school exemplifies personalized attention to academic success. Similarly, smaller schools like Ipswich, Castlewood, and Gettysburg High Schools, each with fewer than 120 students, maintain a perfect graduation rate but lack data on college readiness, indicating a focus on foundational academic achievements.
Large schools such as Washington High School and Roosevelt High School feature substantial enrollment numbers (over 1,700 students) but lower college readiness scores compared to Lincoln High School.
Meanwhile, schools like Hill City (27.2) and Spearfish High School (18.8) balance moderate college readiness scores with higher graduation rates, making them notable options.
The analysis reflects a trade-off between college readiness and scale, with smaller schools excelling in graduation rates and larger schools focusing on college preparedness.
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