For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 888 students in Canton, SD.
The top-ranked public schools in Canton, SD are Lawrence Elementary - 02, Canton High School - 01 and Canton Middle School - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Canton, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Canton have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Canton, SD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lawrence Elementary - 02
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
724 N Sanborn
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2579
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2579
Gr: K-5 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Canton High School - 01
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 N Main St
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2706
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2706
Gr: 9-12 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Canton Middle School - 04
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 N Main St
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2706
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2706
Gr: 6-8 | 194 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Canton, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Canton, SD include Lawrence Elementary - 02, Canton High School - 01 and Canton Middle School - 04.
How many public schools are located in Canton?
3 public schools are located in Canton.
What is the racial composition of students in Canton?
Canton public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
