South Dakota’s high school students have once again demonstrated impressive performance, with an average ACT score of 21.0 in 2024, significantly surpassing the national average of 19.4. This achievement has catapulted South Dakota into the spotlight, highlighting the state’s focus on quality education and its commitment to preparing students for future success. According to Joe Graves, South Dakota’s Secretary of Education, “These numbers reflect what we know to be true – that South Dakota students who take the ACT are well-prepared to move on following their K-12 careers.”
The ACT, a standardized test crucial for college admissions in the United States, evaluates four key academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. South Dakota’s consistent record of surpassing the national ACT average over recent years has been remarkable. Since 2021, the state’s average ACT scores have been at or above 21, even as national averages have declined—from 20.3 in 2021 to 19.4 in 2024.
A critical factor in South Dakota’s educational success could be its substantially higher-than-average homeschooling rate. With 6.6% of students being homeschooled in 2022-23, compared to the national average of 3.4%, this alternative educational path might contribute to the state’s overall academic success by offering personalized and effective learning experiences.
Moreover, South Dakota’s educational policies reflect a tailored approach to teaching. For instance, the state does not mandate traditional sex education; instead, it emphasizes “character education” which includes teachings on sexual abstinence and personal responsibility. This unique approach aims to instill core values and ethics alongside academic excellence.
In 2023, South Dakota launched a phonics training initiative for K-12 teachers, emphasizing reading and writing instruction. This move signifies a targeted effort to strengthen foundational literacy skills early on, potentially setting students up for success in later years, including standardized testing.
Additionally, policy changes under the leadership of former Governor Kristi Noem have had implications on the state’s educational framework. In 2022, a restriction was placed on the teaching of Critical Race Theory (CRT) within K-12 schools, marking a significant policy shift impacting curriculum content.
Graves articulated the importance of the ACT for students’ futures, stating, “Providing all public-school juniors the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness this spring is an exciting and important step.” The ACT’s expanded accessibility is poised to “open doors to opportunities students may never have considered before.” From spring 2026, all juniors at public schools will be required to take the ACT as it replaces the prior state assessment.
The steady rise in ACT participation underscores a clear upward trend. In 2024, 60% of South Dakota’s 2025 high school graduating class took the ACT, a statistic reflecting growing awareness and commitment towards higher education readiness.
Private school enrollment in South Dakota mirrors the national average at 10.9%, indicating that the performance success is more a product of public educational strategies and policies rather than private schooling. While private schooling remains an attractive option for some, public school performance metrics continue to bolster the state’s academic reputation.
The pathway to consistent high ACT scores undoubtedly involves numerous systemic factors, including the state’s educational policies, an emphasis on skill-specific teaching methodologies, and alternative schooling choices, such as homeschooling. As South Dakota continues to implement forward-thinking educational reforms, it remains committed to fostering an environment where students can excel.
The future looks promising as South Dakota prepares to incorporate standardized tests more integrally within its educational curriculum. For this reason, the state’s educational leadership and community remain optimistic, continually striving for excellence and seeking to empower the next generation of students with the tools necessary for personal and academic success.