For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 906 students in Custer County, SD.
The top-ranked public schools in Custer County, SD are Custer Elementary - 02, Custer High School - 01 and Custer Jr. High - 05. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Custer County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Custer County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Custer County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Custer Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1415 Wildcat Ln
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4483
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4483
Gr: K-6 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Custer High School - 01
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1645 Wildcat Ln
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Gr: 9-12 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Custer Jr. High - 05
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1645 Wildcat Ln
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Gr: 7-8 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Hermosa Elementary - 04
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
11 4th St
Hermosa, SD 57744
(605) 255-4345
Hermosa, SD 57744
(605) 255-4345
Gr: K-6 | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: n/an/a
A.c.e. High Academy - 06
Alternative School
527 Montgomery St
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Gr: 9-12 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
11 4th St
Hermosa, SD 57744
(605) 255-4345
Hermosa, SD 57744
(605) 255-4345
Gr: 7-8 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Custer County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Star Evergreen High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
12279 Brady Dr
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-2521
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-2521
Gr: 9-12
Star Evergreen Junior High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
12279 Brady Dr
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-2521
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-2521
Gr: 7-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Custer County, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Custer County, SD include Custer Elementary - 02, Custer High School - 01 and Custer Jr. High - 05.
How many public schools are located in Custer County?
6 public schools are located in Custer County.
What is the racial composition of students in Custer County?
Custer County public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.