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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Hamlin County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 1,358 students in Hamlin County, SD (there are 1 private school, serving 2 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Hamlin County, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Hamlin County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% 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 Hamlin County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hamlin Elementary - 09
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3631
Gr: PK-5 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Castlewood Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: PK-5 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Claremont Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
46271 184th St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: K-8 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #44.
Castlewood High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: 9-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Castlewood Middle School - 03
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: 6-8 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Hamlin High School - 01
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Gr: 9-12 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Estelline Middle School - 03
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
708 Davis Ave
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Gr: 6-8 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Hamlin Middle School - 02
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Gr: 6-8 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #99.
Estelline High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
708 Davis Ave
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Gr: 9-12 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1010.
Estelline Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
404 6th St N
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Gr: PK-5 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Hamlin County, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Hamlin County, SD include Hamlin Elementary - 09, Castlewood Elementary - 02 and Claremont Colony Elementary - 04.
How many public schools are located in Hamlin County?
9 public schools are located in Hamlin County.
What percentage of students in Hamlin County go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Hamlin County are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hamlin County?
Hamlin County public schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 34% (majority American Indian).

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