Top Rankings
Leola School District 44-2 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 99 students in Leola School District 44-2. This district's average middle testing ranking is 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public middle schools in South Dakota.
Public Middle Schools in Leola School District 44-2 have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 0% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
7 Schools
295 Schools
# Students
205 Students
39,834 Students
# Teachers
24 Teachers
2,950 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Leola School District 44-2, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#38 out of 148 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
42%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥50%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.13
0.59
% American Indian
n/a
26%
% Asian
n/a
1%
% Hispanic
1%
7%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
93%
58%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $21,239 is higher than the state median of $13,047. The school district revenue/student has grown by 23% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $18,049 is higher than the state median of $12,552. The school district spending/student has grown by 25% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$21,239
$13,047
Spending / Student
$18,049
$12,552
Best Leola School District 44-2 Public Middle Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Grassland Colony Elementary - 06
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
11865 370th Ave
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Gr: K-8 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #22.
Spring Creek Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
36562 102nd St
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Gr: K-8 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #33.
Leola Jr. High - 03
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
820 Leola Ave
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Gr: 6-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #44.
Long Lake Colony Elementary - 05
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
36848 123rd St
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Leola, SD 57456
(605) 439-3477
Gr: K-8 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Recent Articles
How Public Schools Train Staff Each Year
Learn how public schools train staff each year through professional development, safety training, technology instruction, and ongoing educational support.
What Substitute Teachers Experience in Public Schools
Discover what substitute teachers experience in public schools, including daily responsibilities, challenges, rewards, and their role in student success.
How Teachers Collaborate Across Departments in Public Schools
Learn how teachers collaborate across departments to improve student outcomes, strengthen instruction, and prepare students for real-world success.
