Christ The King Elementary Photo - Front of the school

Best South Dakota Blue Ribbon Private Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 blue ribbon private schools serving 2,570 students in South Dakota.
The top ranked blue ribbon private schools in South Dakota include O'Gorman Junior High School, O'gorman High School, and Holy Spirit Elementary.
The average acceptance rate is 100%, which is higher than the South Dakota private school average acceptance rate of 79%.
100% of blue ribbon private schools in South Dakota are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Blue Ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.

Top Ranked South Dakota Blue Ribbon Private Schools (2025-26)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Holy Spirit Elementary
Holy Spirit Elementary Photo
(Catholic)
(1)
4309 S Bahnson Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
(605) 371-1481
Gr: NS-6 | 354 students Avg. class size: 24 students Blue Ribbon year: 2022 Tuition listed
Imaculate Conception
(Catholic)
109 3rd St Se
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-3883
Gr: PK-6 | 158 students Blue Ribbon year: 2017 Tuition listed
O'gorman High School
O'gorman High School Photo
(Catholic)
3201 S Kiwanis Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 336-3644
Gr: 9-12 | 788 students Avg. class size: 24 students Sports: 18 | Extracurrculars: 37 Blue Ribbon year: 2005, 2014, 2021 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
O'Gorman Junior High School
O'Gorman Junior High School Photo
(Catholic)
3100 W 41st St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 988-0546
Gr: 7-8 | 382 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 15 Blue Ribbon year: 2019 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Mary Elementary
St. Mary Elementary Photo
(Catholic)
(1)
2000 S 4th Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 334-9881
Gr: PK-6 | 367 students Blue Ribbon year: 2019 Tuition listed
Christ The King Elementary
Christ The King Elementary Photo - Front of the school
(Catholic)
1801 S Lake Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 338-5103
Gr: NS-6 | 151 students Avg. class size: 15 students Extracurrculars: 4 Blue Ribbon year: 2024 Tuition listed
St. Joseph Elementary School
(Catholic)
(1)
210 E Broadway Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-7185
Gr: K-5 | 186 students Avg. class size: 16 students Blue Ribbon year: 2013 Tuition listed
St. Katharine Drexel Elementary
St. Katharine Drexel Elementary Photo - Front of School
(Catholic)
1800 S Katie Ave Ste 2
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
(605) 275-6994
Gr: NS-6 | 184 students Blue Ribbon year: 2019 Tuition listed

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked blue ribbon private schools in South Dakota?
The top ranked blue ribbon private schools in South Dakota include O'Gorman Junior High School, O'gorman High School, and Holy Spirit Elementary.
How many blue ribbon private schools are located in South Dakota?
8 blue ribbon private schools are located in South Dakota.
How diverse are blue ribbon private schools in South Dakota?
South Dakota blue ribbon private schools are approximately 7% minority students, which is lower than the South Dakota private school average of 21%.
What percentage of blue ribbon private schools are religiously affiliated in South Dakota?
100% of blue ribbon private schools in South Dakota are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).

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