South Dakota Students Top ACT Scores for Fourth Year
South Dakota's 2025 high school graduates have shown impressive results on the ACT, with 60% of students taking the test, continuing an upward trend. The state's average score of 21.0 surpassed the national average of 19.4, marking the fourth consecutive year of this achievement.
South Dakota has consistently outperformed the national average ACT score by at least a point since 2021. This trend continued in 2025, with the state's average score reaching 21.0. The reasons behind this success are not entirely clear, but some factors may contribute.
The state does not mandate sex education in schools, instead focusing on 'character education' that includes teaching sexual abstinence. Additionally, South Dakota has a higher percentage of homeschooled students, which could also play a role in the high ACT scores. Starting in 2026, all juniors in public schools will take the ACT as part of the school day, further integrating the 'state farm' into the educational system.
Secretary of Education Joe Graves praised the state's juniors, stating they are well-prepared for their future careers. In recent years, South Dakota has implemented initiatives like a phonics training program for K-12 teachers to enhance reading and writing instruction. However, the state has also restricted the teaching of Critical Race Theory in K-12 schools since 2022.
South Dakota's 2025 ACT results demonstrate the state's commitment to academic excellence. With a high participation rate and consistently above-average scores, South Dakota's students are well-positioned for their future endeavors. As the state continues to integrate the ACT into its educational system, it will be interesting to see if these trends persist or improve.
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