Top Rankings
Harding County School District 31-1 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 20%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 10%)
For the 2025 school year, there is 1 public high school serving 62 students in Harding County School District 31-1. This district's average high testing ranking is 8/10, which is in the top 30% of public high schools in South Dakota.
Public High School in Harding County School District 31-1 have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 63% statewide average).
Public High School in Harding County School District 31-1 have a Graduation Rate of 50%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Harding County High School - 01, with ≥50% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
3 Schools
218 Schools
# Students
221 Students
47,000 Students
# Teachers
21 Teachers
3,332 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Harding County School District 31-1, which is ranked within the top 20% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50% has decreased from 80% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#20 out of 148 school districts
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
42%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥50%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.05
0.54
% American Indian
n/a
19%
% Asian
n/a
1%
% Hispanic
1%
7%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
97%
65%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $21,719 is higher than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has declined by 12% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,991 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has declined by 12% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$5 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$21,719
$13,121
Spending / Student
$17,991
$12,623
Best Harding County School District 31-1 Public High Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harding County High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: 9-12 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
