For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,021 students in Yankton, SD (there are 4 private schools, serving 490 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Yankton, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Yankton, SD are Stewart Elementary - 05, Yankton High School - 01 and Beadle Elementary - 03. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Yankton, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Yankton have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Yankton, SD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Stewart Elementary - 05
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
208 W 21st St
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-5765
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-5765
Gr: K-5 | 271 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Yankton High School - 01
(Math: 44% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1801 Summit St
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2073
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2073
Gr: 9-12 | 923 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Beadle Elementary - 03
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1214 Mulberry St
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2282
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2282
Gr: K-5 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Yankton Middle School - 02
(Math: 43% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2000 Mulberry St
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2419
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2419
Gr: 6-8 | 608 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #55.
Lincoln Elementary - 04
(Math: 46% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
815 Locust St
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-7392
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-7392
Gr: K-5 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #66.
Webster Elementary - 06
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
317 E 7th St
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2484
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2484
Gr: PK-5 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Yankton, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Yankton, SD include Stewart Elementary - 05, Yankton High School - 01 and Beadle Elementary - 03.
How many public schools are located in Yankton?
7 public schools are located in Yankton.
What percentage of students in Yankton go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Yankton are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Yankton?
Yankton public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Yankton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Yankton include: Stewart Elementary - 05 vs. Beadle Elementary - 03
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.