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5.5 avg / 10

Best Schools in Chester, South Dakota

6 schools · 2 Elementary · 1 Middle · 3 High

Public: 6
Districts: 1
Avg Rating: 5.5/10

Family Snapshot

At a glance
Avg school rating
5.5/10

0% of schools rated 7+

Median household income
$92,125

Census ACS, ZIPs in this city

Median home value
$225,600

Owner-occupied units

Bachelor's degree or higher
31%

Adults 25+

Owner-occupied homes
91%

Of occupied housing units

How Chester compares

South Dakota rank

#104 of 128

cities by avg. school score

Vs. state average

-0.8

below South Dakota avg (6.3)

Median household income

$92k

132% of South Dakota median

Schools in this city

6

About Schools in Chester, South Dakota

Chester, South Dakota is home to 6 schools, including 6 public schools. The city's schools span 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 3 high schools.

With an average rating of 5.5 out of 10, schools in Chester show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.

The highest-performing school in Chester is Chester Middle School - 03 with a composite score of 6.8/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.

Chester is served by 1 school district: Chester Area School District 39-1. These districts collectively serve 542 students.

Chester's community shows 31% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $92,125. The poverty rate in the area is 1.2%.

Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.

Filter by ZIP: 57016 (6)

Elementary Schools

2 schools
# School Rating
1 148 students · Pre-K–5th 5.9
2 39 students · Kindergarten–8th 3.1

Middle Schools

1 school
# School Rating
1 69 students · 6th–8th 6.8

High Schools

3 schools
# School Rating
1 103 students · 9th–12th 6.5
2 101 students · 9th–12th 5.9
3 61 students · 9th–12th 4.9

Schools in Chester

Chester, South Dakota · 6 schools

Community Demographics

Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code

Median Income

$92,125

Median Home Value

$225,600

Median Rent

$1,107/mo

Population

680

College Educated

31%

Homeownership

91%

Poverty Rate

1.2%

Community Profile

Chester has a median household income of $92,125. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $225,600, with a median rent of $1,107/month. The local poverty rate of 1.2% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Quick Facts

Total Schools
6
Elementary
2
Middle
1
High
3
Districts
1
Avg Rating
5.5/10

Other Major Cities in South Dakota

Top metros statewide by school count.

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about schools in Chester, South Dakota

How many schools are in Chester, South Dakota?

Chester has 6 schools, including 6 public and 0 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.

What is the average school rating in Chester, South Dakota?

The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Chester is 5.5 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.

What is the top-ranked school in Chester, South Dakota?

The top-ranked school in Chester on MySchoolScout is Chester Middle School - 03 with a composite score of 6.8/10.

What is the best elementary school in Chester, South Dakota?

The top-ranked elementary school in Chester on MySchoolScout is Chester Elementary -02 with a composite score of 5.9/10.

What is the best middle school in Chester, South Dakota?

The top-ranked middle school in Chester on MySchoolScout is Chester Middle School - 03 with a composite score of 6.8/10.

What is the best high school in Chester, South Dakota?

The top-ranked high school in Chester on MySchoolScout is Chester High School - 01 with a composite score of 6.5/10.

How many school districts serve Chester, South Dakota?

Chester is served by 1 school district: Chester Area School District 39-1.

What is the education level in Chester, South Dakota?

According to Census data, 31% of adults in Chester have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the median income in Chester, South Dakota?

The median household income in Chester is approximately $92,125 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.

What is the student-teacher ratio in Chester, South Dakota?

The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Chester is 14.6:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.

How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Chester, South Dakota?

MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.

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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, South Dakota Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.