For the 2025 school year, there are 92 private schools serving 14,853 students in South Dakota (there are 734 public schools, serving 146,041 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 $4,548 for elementary schools and $7,051 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in South Dakota include Rapid City Christian School, O'Gorman Junior High School, and St. Mary Elementary.
The average acceptance rate is 96% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 22% and the student:teacher ratio is 12:1.
Top Ranked South Dakota Private Schools by County (2025)
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 Rapid City Christian School, O'Gorman Junior High School, and St. Mary Elementary.
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 $4,548 for elementary schools and $7,051 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in South Dakota?
Approximately 22% 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, Abiding Savior Academy and Preschool vs. Sioux Falls Lutheran School, St. Thomas More High School vs. Rapid City Christian School
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