Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Custer County (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Custer County Public Schools (2026)

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 34% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Schools in Custer County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Custer Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1415 Wildcat Ln
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4483
Gr: PK-6 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #22.
Custer High School - 01
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1645 Wildcat Ln
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Gr: 9-12 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Custer Jr. High - 05
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1645 Wildcat Ln
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Gr: 7-8 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Hermosa Elementary - 04
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
11 4th St
Hermosa, SD 57744
(605) 255-4345
Gr: PK-6 | 181 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
A.c.e. High Academy - 06
Alternative School
527 Montgomery St
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4473
Gr: 9-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
Hermosa Middle School - 07
11 4th St
Hermosa, SD 57744
(605) 255-4345
Gr: 7-8 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%

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 34% (majority American Indian).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (SD):
State Links: