- Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary - 02 — Grades PK–5 · 176 students
- De Smet Middle School - 03 — Grades 6–8 · 91 students
- De Smet High School - 01 — Grades 9–12 · 95 students
| Metric | De Smet School District 38-2 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 327 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 34% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| De Smet School District 38-2 (this district) | 5/10 | 47th | 327 |
| Pierre School District 32-2 | 7/10 | 65th | 2,762 |
| Sioux Falls School District | NR | — | 25,000 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 144 rated districts in SD → 47th percentile → 5/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About De Smet School District 38-2
De Smet School District 38-2 serves zip code 57231, covering De Smet, South Dakota with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
De Smet School District 38-2 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 5/10, placing it in the average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because South Dakota is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
De Smet School District 38-2 falls near the middle of South Dakota on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 57231
Children in zip code 57231 are assigned to De Smet School District 38-2 for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 57231, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact De Smet School District 38-2 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — South Dakota districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in De Smet
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because De Smet School District 38-2 serves zip code 57231, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 57231. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In South Dakota, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support De Smet School District 38-2 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 57231.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with De Smet School District 38-2 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 57231 data.