For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 934 students in Hamlin County, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Hamlin County, SD are Hamlin Elementary - 09, Castlewood Elementary - 02 and Claremont Colony Elementary - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hamlin County, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Hamlin County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Hamlin County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hamlin Elementary - 09
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3631
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3631
Gr: PK-5 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Castlewood Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: PK-5 | 144 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Claremont Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
46271 184th St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: K-8 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #44.
Castlewood Middle School - 03
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: 6-8 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Estelline Middle School - 03
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
708 Davis Ave
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Gr: 6-8 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Hamlin Middle School - 02
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Gr: 6-8 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Hamlin County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
404 6th St N
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Gr: PK-5 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Ne Ed Services Cooperative - 01 (Closed 2009)
Special Education School
310 5th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3607
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3607
Gr: K-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Hamlin County, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Hamlin County, SD include Hamlin Elementary - 09, Castlewood Elementary - 02 and Claremont Colony Elementary - 04.
How many public elementary schools are located in Hamlin County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Hamlin County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hamlin County?
Hamlin County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.