For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 880 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 33% (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 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
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 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
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 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Canton, South Dakota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
220 S Bartlett
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2570
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2570
Gr: PK-K | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
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 33% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.