Custer High School is a high school in Custer, South Dakota, United States. It is located in the Black Hills just west of Custer State Park on Hwy 16. The principal is Tobey Cass. The school mascot is the Wildcats. They use a 4-day school week system, with classes going from Monday thru Thursday.
Serving 262 students in grades 9-12, Custer High School - 01 ranks in the top 30% 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 35-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 262 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in SD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Custer High School - 01 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Custer High School - 01's student population of 262 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
262 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Rankings
Custer High School - 01 ranks within the top 30% of all 636 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Custer High School - 01 is 0.28, 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
#182 out of 636 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
42%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
84%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
82%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
11%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcats
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Custer High School - 01's ranking?
Custer High School - 01 is ranked #182 out of 636 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Custer High School - 01 often compared to?
Custer High School - 01is often viewed alongside schools like Hot Springs High School - 01, Hill City High School - 01, Edgemont High School - 01 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Custer High School - 01?
The graduation rate of Custer High School - 01 is 75-79%, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 82%.
How many students attend Custer High School - 01?
262 students attend Custer High School - 01.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Custer High School - 01 students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Custer High School - 01?
Custer High School - 01 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Custer High School - 01 offer ?
Custer High School - 01 offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Custer High School - 01 part of?
Custer High School - 01 is part of Custer School District 16-1.
School Reviews
Review Custer High School - 01. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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