South Dakota Schools Show Small Gains in Math, Drops in English

The 2025‑2026 school year report card for South Dakota shows a mixed picture. The state’s 147 public school districts saw slight improvements in math scores, attendance and on‑time high school graduation. English and science scores fell a little. The South Dakota Department of Education released the annual State Report Card on Nov. 6. The document covers 645 public schools and more than 135,570 K‑12 students. It lists enrollment, diversity, test results, attendance and graduation rates.

Student diversity varies across the state. Overall, 68.8% were white, 10.28% American Indian/Alaska Native, 9.23% Hispanic/Latino, 6.27% multiracial, 3.57% Black/African American, 1.66% Asian and 0.18% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. In Sioux Falls, the numbers shift: 54.75% white, 16.78% Hispanic/Latino, 13.1% Black, 8.24% multiracial, 4.57% American Indian, 2.28% Asian and 0.27% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Statewide, 38.28% of students are economically disadvantaged, 16.84% have disabilities, 5. probably? Actually we need to continue: 5.83% are English learners, 2.65% are homeless, 2.48% are military‑connected, 1.15% are in foster care and 0.78% are migrants. Sioux Falls mirrors many of these figures but with higher percentages for English learners and migrants.

Core subject performance tells a story of small changes. In English language arts, 50% of students statewide met grade‑level expectations, down two points from the previous year. Districts range from 48% in Sioux Falls to 75% in Brandon Valley. Math scores rose one point: 45% statewide met expectations, with Brandon Valley at 71% and Sioux Falls at 44%. Science fell one point: 43% statewide met expectations, with Brandon Valley at 64% and Garretson at 36%. The ACT replaced the Smarter Balance test for 11th graders in spring 2026. The average ACT score for 2026 graduates was 21.1, about two points above the national average of 19.2. Attendance improved to 88% statewide, up one point, while chronic absenteeism stayed at 20%.

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