For the 2026 school year, there are 8 blue ribbon public high schools serving 637 students in South Dakota.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top-ranked blue ribbon public high schools in South Dakota are Ethan High School - 01, Timber Lake High School - 01 and Warner High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Dakota blue ribbon public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 63% statewide average).
South Dakota blue ribbon public high school have a Graduation Rate of 69%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Burke High School - 01, with ≥80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Best Blue Ribbon Public High Schools in South Dakota (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Ethan High School - 01
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
320 S 2nd St
Ethan, SD 57334
(605) 227-4211
Ethan, SD 57334
(605) 227-4211
Gr: 9-12 | 87 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Timber Lake High School - 01
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
500 Main St
Timber Lake, SD 57656
(605) 865-3654
Timber Lake, SD 57656
(605) 865-3654
Gr: 9-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #33.
Warner High School - 01
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
110 1st Ave Sw
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Warner, SD 57479
(605) 225-6194
Gr: 9-12 | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #44.
Burke High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
900 Washington St
Burke, SD 57523
(605) 775-2645
Burke, SD 57523
(605) 775-2645
Gr: 9-12 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
Armour High School - 01
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
604 3rd St
Armour, SD 57313
(605) 724-2153
Armour, SD 57313
(605) 724-2153
Gr: 9-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Harding County High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: 9-12 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #77.
White Lake High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
410 E 4th St
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
Gr: 9-12 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #88.
Castlewood High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: 9-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked blue ribbon public high schools in South Dakota?
The top-ranked blue ribbon public high schools in South Dakota include Ethan High School - 01, Timber Lake High School - 01 and Warner High School - 01.
How many blue ribbon public high schools are located in South Dakota?
8 blue ribbon public high schools are located in South Dakota.
What is the racial composition of students in South Dakota?
South Dakota blue ribbon public high schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high schools average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
51±¬ÁÏ Transportation & Commute Planning Guide
Learn how public school transportation and commute planning can help families prepare for the coming school year safely and efficiently.
New 51±¬ÁÏ Safety Protocols 2025–26 Guide
Learn how new public school safety protocols for 2025–26 affect students, parents, and schools nationwide.
How Technology Transforms Education in 2025
Explore how technology shapes learning today, with updated data, policy context, trends, and real-world implications for students, educators, and families.