📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (NCES EDFacts, 2021–22 for most districts), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
South Dakota: 20 Rated Districts
EDFacts 2021–22 · percentile among South Dakota districts
Minnesota: 2 Rated Districts
MCA 2024–25 · percentile among Minnesota districts
| Rank in MN | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Luverne Public School District | Luverne | 10/10 Excellent | 92nd |
| #2 | Hills-Beaver Creek School District | Hills | 9/10 Excellent | 89th |
Best School Districts in the Sioux Falls, SD-MN Metro Area (2026)
This metro area crosses state lines, so it is shown as one table per state. Each state rates its districts on its own test, and a 9/10 in one state is not comparable with a 9/10 in another.
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from EDFacts 2021–22 (South Dakota); MCA 2024–25 (Minnesota) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the South Dakota part of the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area? ▼
Among the 20 rated districts in the South Dakota part of the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area, the highest-rated is Brandon Valley School District 49-2 (Brandon), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 96th percentile of South Dakota districts on EDFacts 2021–22 reading and math proficiency.
What is the best-rated school district in the Minnesota part of the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area? ▼
Among the 2 rated districts in the Minnesota part of the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area, the highest-rated is Luverne Public School District (Luverne), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 92nd percentile of Minnesota districts on MCA 2024–25 reading and math proficiency.
Can I compare districts across state lines here? ▼
No. Each state uses its own assessment, so ratings and percentiles are only comparable among districts in the same state. Full methodology here.