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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Hughes County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,021 students in Hughes County, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Hughes County, SD are Buchanan Elementary - 03, Kennedy Elementary - 08 and Jefferson Elementary - 06. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hughes County, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Hughes County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Hughes County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Buchanan Elementary - 03
(Math: 56% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
100 N Buchanan Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7310
Gr: K-5 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Kennedy Elementary - 08
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2306 Brookstone Loop
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7370
Gr: K-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #33.
Jefferson Elementary - 06
(Math: 47% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
900 N Poplar Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7320
Gr: K-5 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Georgia Morse Middle School - 02
(Math: 46% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
309 E Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7330
Gr: 6-8 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
Pierre Indian Learning Center
3001 East Sully Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8661
Gr: 1-8 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Hughes County, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Hughes County, SD include Buchanan Elementary - 03, Kennedy Elementary - 08 and Jefferson Elementary - 06.
How many public elementary schools are located in Hughes County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Hughes County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hughes County?
Hughes County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).

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