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
Helping Children Overcome First-Week School Anxiety
Learn practical strategies to help children overcome first-week school anxiety, with expert-backed tips for parents and educators.
Public School Immunization Requirements 2026–2027
Learn public school immunization and health requirements for 2026–2027, including vaccines, exemptions, and state policy updates.
Public Schools in a Minute: 2026 Snapshot Guide
A clear 2026 snapshot of public schools in the U.S., including enrollment, funding, trends, and what families should know.