- Burke Elementary - 02 — Grades PK–5 · 105 students
- Burke Middle School - 04 — Grades 6–8 · 62 students
- Burke High School - 01 — Grades 9–12 · 94 students
| Metric | Burke School District 26-2 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 237 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burke School District 26-2 (this district) | 5/10 | 50th | 237 |
| 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 → 50th percentile → 5/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Burke School District 26-2
Families in zip code 57538 (Herrick, South Dakota) are assigned to Burke School District 26-2 for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Burke School District 26-2 5 out of 10 — average among South Dakota public school districts. 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.
⚠️ Small-district caveat. Burke School District 26-2 enrolls 237 students. A percentile rank drawn from so few test-takers is statistically unstable — it can move several points from one year to the next on normal variation alone, and a single class of students can swing it. Treat this rating as a rough signal rather than a precise ranking, and look at the school-level detail below before drawing conclusions.
Burke School District 26-2 ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in South Dakota on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 57538 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 57538
Children in zip code 57538 are assigned to Burke School District 26-2 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 57538, 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 Burke School District 26-2 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. 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 Herrick
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Burke School District 26-2 serves zip code 57538, homes in and around zip code 57538 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. 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 Burke School District 26-2 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 57538.
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 Burke School District 26-2 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 57538 data.