Top Rankings
Bison School District 52-1 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Lowest student:teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 137 students in Bison School District 52-1. This district's average testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
Public Schools in Bison School District 52-1 have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
3 Schools
734 Schools
# Students
137 Students
146,041 Students
# Teachers
19 Teachers
10,645 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
7:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Bison School District 52-1, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#77 out of 148 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
42%
Graduation Rate
≥50%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.17
0.53
% American Indian
4%
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
4%
8%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
91%
67%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $21,664 is higher than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $18,102 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$3 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$3 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$21,664
$13,121
Spending / Student
$18,102
$12,623
Best Bison School District 52-1 Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Bison High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
200 E Carr St
Bison, SD 57620
(605) 244-5271
Bison, SD 57620
(605) 244-5271
Grades: 9-12
| 46 students
Rank: #22.
Bison Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 E Carr St
Bison, SD 57620
(605) 244-5271
Bison, SD 57620
(605) 244-5271
Grades: K-6
| 71 students
Rank: #33.
Bison Jr. High - 04
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 E Carr St
Bison, SD 57620
(605) 244-5271
Bison, SD 57620
(605) 244-5271
Grades: 7-8
| 20 students
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Bison School District 52-1?
Bison School District 52-1 manages 3 public schools serving 137 students.
What is the rank of Bison School District 52-1?
Bison School District 52-1 is ranked #90 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2021-2022 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of South Dakota school districts for: Lowest student:teacher ratio (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Bison School District 52-1?
91% of Bison School District 52-1 students are White, 4% of students are American Indian, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Bison School District 52-1?
Bison School District 52-1 has a student/teacher ratio of 7:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Bison School District 52-1's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $18,102 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Recent Articles

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.

Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.