For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 519 students in Lake County, SD.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Lake County, SD are Chester Middle School - 03, Graceville Colony - 07 and Shannon Colony Elementary - 08. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lake County, SD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Lake County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Middle Schools in Lake County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chester Middle School - 03
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
102 2nd Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Gr: 6-8 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Graceville Colony - 07
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
23843 - 446a Ave
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 256-2267
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 256-2267
Gr: K-8 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: #33.
Shannon Colony Elementary - 08
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
43945 235th St.
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 772-4443
Winfred, SD 57076
(605) 772-4443
Gr: K-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #44.
Madison Middle School - 02
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
830 Ne 9th St
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7717
Madison, SD 57042
(605) 256-7717
Gr: 6-8 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #55.
Rustic Acres Elementary - 04
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
24243 456th Ave
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Chester, SD 57016
(605) 489-2411
Gr: K-8 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: n/an/a
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: K-8 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: n/an/a
102 School St
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Rutland, SD 57057
(605) 586-4352
Gr: 6-8 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Lake County, SD?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Lake County, SD include Chester Middle School - 03, Graceville Colony - 07 and Shannon Colony Elementary - 08.
How many public middle schools are located in Lake County?
7 public middle schools are located in Lake County.
What is the racial composition of students in Lake County?
Lake County public middle schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public middle schools average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Which public middle schools in Lake County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Lake County include: Shannon Colony Elementary - 08 vs. Graceville Colony - 07
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.