For the 2025 school year, there are 3 vocational public high schools serving 489 students in South Dakota.
Vocational schools offer a series of courses which directly prepare individuals in paid or unpaid employment in jobs that have requirements other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree.
The top ranked vocational public high schools in South Dakota are Lead-deadwood Career & Technical Education - 10 and Lakota Tech High School - 10. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Dakota vocational public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 16% (versus the 63% statewide average).
South Dakota vocational public high school have a Graduation Rate of 40%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Lakota Tech High School - 10, with 50-59% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Best Vocational Public High Schools in South Dakota (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Lead-deadwood Career & Technical Education - 10
Vocational School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
22023 Job Corps Ctr
Nemo, SD 57759
(605) 578-2371
Nemo, SD 57759
(605) 578-2371
Grades: 9-12
| 64 students
Rank: #22.
Lakota Tech High School - 10
Vocational School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
206 School St
Batesland, SD 57716
(605) 455-6697
Batesland, SD 57716
(605) 455-6697
Grades: 9-12
| 424 students
Rank: n/an/a
Cte - 37
Vocational School
4700 W Career Cir
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
(605) 367-5504
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
(605) 367-5504
Grades: 9-12
| 1 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked vocational public high schools in South Dakota?
The top ranked vocational public high schools in South Dakota include Lead-deadwood Career & Technical Education - 10 and Lakota Tech High School - 10.
How many vocational public high schools are located in South Dakota?
3 vocational public high schools are located in South Dakota.
What is the racial composition of students in South Dakota?
South Dakota vocational public high schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public high schools average of 35% (majority American Indian).
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