Rigor, Relevance, Results and Relationships form the foundation on which Sturgis Brown High School operates.

In an effort to raise student achievement and set higher standards, Sturgis Brown High School has embraced a school improvement program titled High Schools That Work which combines challenging academic courses with vocational studies. This whole-school reform helps to improve achievement in such measurable ways as higher test scores and attendance rates, and less obvious ways such as greater parental involvement.

The school has been accredited by North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement since 1928. The school is also a member in good standing of the South Dakota High School Activities Association.