For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 739 students in Lake County, SD.
The top-ranked public high schools in Lake County, SD are Chester High School - 01, Chester Area Cyber School - 92 and High Plains - 06. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake County, SD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 63% statewide average). High schools in Lake County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public high schools.
Lake County, SD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 66%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Madison High School - 01, with 85-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Best Public High Schools in Lake County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chester High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
102 2nd Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Gr: 9-12 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
Chester Area Cyber School - 92
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
500 5th St
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Gr: 9-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #33.
High Plains - 06
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 5th St
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Gr: 9-12 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 61:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Madison High School - 01
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 Ne 9th St
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7706
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7706
Gr: 9-12 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: 9-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Lake County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: K-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
211 Se 4th St
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7703
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7703
Gr: PK-5 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
23843 446 Ave
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 256-7721
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 256-7721
Gr: K-8 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
520 Nw 3rd St
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7714
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7714
Gr: 3-5 | 212 students Minority enrollment: 6%
220 W 2nd St
Ramona, SD 57054
(605) 482-8244
Ramona, SD 57054
(605) 482-8244
Gr: PK-6 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
220 W 2nd St
Ramona, SD 57054
(605) 482-8244
Ramona, SD 57054
(605) 482-8244
Gr: 9-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
220 W 2nd St
Ramona, SD 57054
(605) 482-8244
Ramona, SD 57054
(605) 482-8244
Gr: 7-8 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: PK-5 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: 9-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: 6-8 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
514 N Washington
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7721
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7721
Gr: K-2 | 254 students Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Lake County, SD?
The top-ranked public high schools in Lake County, SD include Chester High School - 01, Chester Area Cyber School - 92 and High Plains - 06.
How many public high schools are located in Lake County?
5 public high schools are located in Lake County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake County?
Lake County public high schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public high schools average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.
Building a Summer Reading Plan That Keeps Kids Engaged
Learn how to build a summer reading plan that keeps kids engaged, motivated, and improving literacy skills throughout the break.