Serving 101 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Buffalo Elementary - 02 ranks in the top 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-49% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-59% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 101 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Buffalo Elementary - 02 serves the southeast part of its school district in Buffalo, SD, covering an extensive area of approximately 1,449.7 square miles, with typical drive times to the school ranging from 20 to 30 minutes and distances to the zone's furthest edge reaching up to 38.4 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Buffalo Elementary - 02's student population of 101 students has grown by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
101 students
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Buffalo Elementary - 02 ranks within the top 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Buffalo Elementary - 02 is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#308 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
95%
66%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)8.9%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buffalo Elementary - 02's ranking?
Buffalo Elementary - 02 is ranked #308 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 50-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Buffalo Elementary - 02?
101 students attend Buffalo Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Buffalo Elementary - 02 students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Buffalo Elementary - 02?
Buffalo Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Buffalo Elementary - 02 offer ?
Buffalo Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Buffalo Elementary - 02 part of?
Buffalo Elementary - 02 is part of Harding County School District 31-1.
School Reviews
Review Buffalo Elementary - 02. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
