For the 2025-26 school year, there are 92 private schools serving 14,963 students in South Dakota (there are 729 public schools, serving 145,763 students). 9% of all K-12 students in South Dakota attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $6,393 for elementary schools and $7,804 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in South Dakota include O'Gorman Junior High School, Red Cloud Indian School, and Rapid City Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 79% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 21% and the student-teacher ratio is 12:1.
Top Ranked South Dakota Private Schools by County (2025-26)
Popular neighborhoods: Emerson (1 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in South Dakota?
The top-ranked private schools in South Dakota include O'Gorman Junior High School, Red Cloud Indian School, and Rapid City Christian School.
How many private schools are located in South Dakota?
There are 92 private schools are located in South Dakota.
How much do private schools cost in South Dakota?
The average private school tuition in South Dakota is $6,393 for elementary schools and $7,804 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in South Dakota?
Approximately 21% of students in South Dakota private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in South Dakota go to private school?
9% of all K-12 students in South Dakota attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in South Dakota?
Which private schools in South Dakota are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in South Dakota include: O'gorman High School vs. Sioux Falls Christian Schools, St. Martins Lutheran School vs. Watertown Christian School, Abiding Savior Academy and Preschool vs. Sioux Falls Lutheran School
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