COHESIVE Community
Cohesive community is hard to define, but it is easy to feel here. When you experience it, you know it. The Lead-Deadwood School District is a place where people feel at home.
BOUNDLESS Opportunity
The advantage of a small school is that the teachers and staff know the students and care about what they need to succeed. Large schools typically have more resources to offer opportunities for students. Lead-Deadwood is the perfect balance between large and small.
Discover Your GOLD!
People have been mining gold in the Black Hills since 1876, and in the Lead-Deadwood School District, students strike gold every day. At Lead-Deadwood, kids find their passion, and they get an education that prepares them for life.
Welcome to Lead-Deadwood School District
At the Lead-Deadwood School District, we believe in providing the best education and learning environment for all students. With our vast program options, a dedicated team of educators and community support, we are committed to nurturing each student’s potential and preparing them for a successful future.
Discover the Lead-Deadwood School District
Accredited by North Central / Cognia Since 1908
Community
The communities of Lead and Deadwood boast a rich history of Old West lawlessness, home to the largest gold mine in North America, and a tourism destination for families and revelers alike.
District science teachers collaborate with the world class Sanford Underground Laboratory (SURF) on curriculum and instruction.
Elementary students explore the Black Hills through field trips and other partnerships with community businesses and organizations.
Small class sizes create an environment in which teachers know and care for every child.
The district has an emphasis on educating the whole child and striving to meet every kid’s needs.
6th grade students bond with one another at the beginning of the school year on 2-day summer camp experience at Outlaw Ranch.
Area businesses are generous in donating resources for our kids.
Opportunity
The elementary math and science curriculum is taken to another level with project-based STEM classes.
Class sizes run about 50 students per grade, with a student to staff ratio of 10.2 to 1.
High school course offerings have increased by over 30% in the past three years.
Elementary PE classes offer more than dodgeball with lifetime activities like: snowshoeing, biking on the Mickelson Trail, Downhill Skiing, and swimming.
LDES offers interventions (targeted, supplemental instruction by certified teachers) in math and reading.
Lead-Deadwood Middle School and High School offers 7 approved CTE programs, including 25 courses in Ag, Food & Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, AV Technology & Communication; Business, Management & Administration; Health Sciences; Hospitality & Tourism; Manufacturing.
CTE courses at Lead-Deadwood have an entrepreneurial flavor.
High school students learn real-life business skills by operating a student-run retail store and coffee shop right here at LDHS. Visit the Digger Depot!
Discover Gold!
Kids get an education that fits them.
There is a club or activity for every student, including Drama, Speech and Debate, Choir, Band, Skills USA, Student Council, Knowledge Bowl, Math Competition, Educators Rising, Archery, Power Lifting, Art Club, and Key Club.
LDHS offers the following varsity sports, with programs at the sub-varsity and middle school levels as well: Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Sideline Cheer, Competitive Dance, Cross-country, Golf, Basketball, Wrestling, and Track and Field.
In the Class of 2024, 22 out of 49 LDSD graduates were awarded more than $76,000 in awards and scholarships.
Dual credits… 17 students earned 176 college credits in the 2024-2025 school year.
Enroll at Lead-Deadwood School District Today
If Lead-Deadwood looks like the school for you, please click the link below, and we will get started. Residents of the school district can enroll at any time. Planning on moving to the district? This short pre-enrollment form will give us a heads-up to stay in contact with you and to assist you in planning for that process. Open enrollment is also an option for people who are moving to the area and will reside in a neighboring district.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Lead-Deadwood School District, please reach out to us!
Lead-Deadwood School District
320 South Main Street
Lead, SD 57754
605-717-3890