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 103 students in grades 7-8, Custer Jr. High - 05 ranks in the bottom 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 35-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 103 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 14%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Custer Jr. High - 05's student population of 103 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
103 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Year Founded
2025
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Rankings
Custer Jr. High - 05 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Custer Jr. High - 05 is 0.26, 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
#328 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
42%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
4%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
7%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
86%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
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 Jr. High - 05's ranking?
Custer Jr. High - 05 is ranked #328 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Custer Jr. High - 05 often compared to?
Custer Jr. High - 05is often viewed alongside schools like Hill City Middle School - 04, Hot Springs Middle School - 06 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 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Custer Jr. High - 05?
103 students attend Custer Jr. High - 05.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Custer Jr. High - 05 students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are American Indian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Custer Jr. High - 05?
Custer Jr. High - 05 has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Custer Jr. High - 05 offer ?
Custer Jr. High - 05 offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Custer Jr. High - 05 part of?
Custer Jr. High - 05 is part of Custer School District 16-1.
School Reviews
Review Custer Jr. High - 05. 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
