For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public middle schools serving 817 students in Lawrence County, SD.
The top ranked public middle schools in Lawrence County, SD are Elm Springs Elementary - 13, Opal Elementary - 15 and Atall Elementary - 17. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lawrence County, SD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Lawrence County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Middle Schools in Lawrence County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Elm Springs Elementary - 13
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21309 Elm Springs Rd
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #22.
Opal Elementary - 15
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
18010 Opal Rd
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #33.
Atall Elementary - 17
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
16375 Atall Rd
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #44.
Hereford Elementary - 08
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
15998 Cross S Rd
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #55.
Spearfish Academy At Canyon Hills Elementary - 09
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2519 Windmill Dr
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1229
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1229
Gr: 4-8 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #66.
Spearfish Middle School - 05
(Math: 45% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1600 N Canyon
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1215
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 717-1215
Gr: 6-8 | 573 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #77.
Lead-deadwood Middle School - 02
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
234 S Main St
Lead, SD 57754
(605) 717-3898
Lead, SD 57754
(605) 717-3898
Gr: 6-8 | 144 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #88.
Central Meade County School - 09
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
19625 Ball Field Road
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
Black Hills Academy At Canyon Hills - 08
Alternative School
2519 Windmill Dr
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Gr: 4-8
Lawrence County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Black Hills Education Connection - 03 High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
2910 4th Ave
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 347-4467
Gr: 9-12
Po Box 16
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 8 students
Po Box 16
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2264
Gr: K-8 | 3 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Lawrence County, SD?
The top ranked public middle schools in Lawrence County, SD include Elm Springs Elementary - 13, Opal Elementary - 15 and Atall Elementary - 17.
How many public middle schools are located in Lawrence County?
9 public middle schools are located in Lawrence County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lawrence County?
Lawrence County public middle schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public middle schools average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.