Education

The University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review. USD is the only institution from South Dakota named to the prestigious list in 2011. The U is located on an attractive 216-acre campus in Vermillion, a small community nestled along the bluffs above the Missouri River in the southeast corner of South Dakota. Vermillion serves as a safe, clean host for the University and provides recreational and cultural opportunities in town, the nearby countryside, and neighboring communities.

USD is also home to Division 1 Coyotes athletics and unparalleled facilities like the Dakota Dome, Wellness Center and newly opened Sanford Coyotes Sports Center. These are among several new, state of the art academic and student centers providing vibrant art and cultural opportunities to the campus and community alike.

Vermillion Public Schools

Vermillion is proud of the high quality of education provided by its local school systems, consistently ranked as one of the best for outstanding education, extracurricular opportunities, and athletic programs. Graduating seniors score higher ACT and SAT scores than both state and national averages.

Serving the Clay and Union County communities of Vermillion, Burbank, and Meckling, the Vermillion Public School District encompasses 200 square miles located near Interstate 29 in southeastern South Dakota. The Vermillion School District is governed by a five-member school board, and is guided by a district superintendent and four building principals. The district operates one high school (Vermillion High School), one middle school (Vermillion Middle School), and two elementary schools (Jolley and Austin Elementary Schools). Current enrollment is 1270.

Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library

The Vermillion Public Library was formed on January 13, 1902, when about 100 people met at the Masonic Hall in Vermillion, South Dakota to establish a public library. In 1903, funds of $10,000 were appropriated from Andrew Carnegie, and the building began to materialize. The Library has since been supported by the City of Vermillion, with contributions from Clay County. In 1978 a new library building was built adjacent to the original. The city recently completed a major expansion and renovation in 2013, ensuring future library access for generations to come.