One of the contributors to the high quality of life in the Canton area is the Canton school system. The Canton School District, established in 1870, serves Canton (population on 3,110), Fairview (population on 130), residential tracts and surrounding rural farms. Located in the southeast corner of South Dakota in Lincoln County, the school district encompasses 191 square miles.

Our students enjoy all the benefits of learning in a small school, including a safe environment, individualized academic attention and access to extracurricular activities. At the same time, they and their families have access to the benefits of the city’s proximity to Sioux Falls.

Our community is proud of our schools and supports improving school buildings and facilities. Residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of building new high school in 1998. Since that time, a state-of-the-art wrestling room and adjoining weight room were added in 2008. The district also completed a $3 million project at Lawrence Elementary School in 2007, adding five classrooms, a large band room, a life-skills classroom for students with disabilities and a 9,000 sq. ft. gymnasium. Canton boasts one of the finest outdoor football/track complexes in class 11B football.

The greatest measure of the Canton School District is the quality of its teaching staff. In 2010, the state recognized all three schools in the district as “Distinguished Schools” based on student performance on the Dakota STEP state assessment. The accomplishments of students in co-curricular activities are well documented and attributed to the tremendous support provided by parents and community.

Aside from excellent facilities and exceptional teaching staff, several other attributes set the Canton School District apart from other districts in the area.

• Commitment to small class size: The average class size at Lawrence Elementary School is less than 21 students.

• Kinder Prep: The Canton School District offers a half-day kindergarten option for five year-olds who are not ready for all-day/everyday kindergarten.

• Early Childhood Education: Canton also offers Head Start and Early Childhood programs.

• Before- and After-School Latchkey: The Canton Community Education program was one of the first in the area. It provides safe, convenient, affordable day care options for parents and several after-school activities for students.

• The C-Hawk Advantage: Canton’s focus on the “Six C-Hawk Principles” – character, honor, achievement, wisdom, knowledge and service – provides students with a foundation for success.

• Student Achievement: 83% of elementary students and 77% of middle school students scored proficient or advanced (on what, when)

Lawrence Elementary

Lawrence Elementary serves the educational needs of approximately 400 Pre-K through grade five students. All teachers are highly qualified and their students consistently score very high in the state required Dakota STEP test.

Lawrence Elementary

724 N. Sanborn
Canton, SD 57013
605-764-2579

Canton Middle School

The Canton Middle School is comprised of approximately 200 students in grades six through eight. Teachers have high expectations of all students, but also remain responsive to the many developmental needs of adolescent learners. The Middle School implemented the PBIS program (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) in 2009 and continues to create an atmosphere that promotes positive adolescent development.

Canton Middle School

800 N. Main Street
Canton, SD 57013
605-764-2706

Canton High School

The Canton High School is comprised of approximately 250 students in grades nine through 12. CHS offers a challenging and engaging curriculum that enables students to graduate as Regent Scholars and earn the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. Canton High School offers several dual-credit and advanced placement options for students. This provides our advanced students an opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.

Canton High School

800 N. Main Street
Canton, SD 57013
605-764-2706