Serving 60 students in grades 6-8, Harding County Middle School - 03 ranks in the top 10% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-69% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-69% (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.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 60 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Harding County MS in Buffalo, SD serves an extensive attendance zone of approximately 2,678.1 square miles, covering the entire school district. The typical drive to the school ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 38.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Harding County Middle School - 03 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Harding County Middle School - 03's student population of 60 students has grown by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 4 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
60 students
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Harding County Middle School - 03 ranks within the top 10% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Harding County Middle School - 03 is 0.00, 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
#56 out of 619 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
n/a
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
100%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.7%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harding County Middle School - 03's ranking?
Harding County Middle School - 03 is ranked #56 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 60-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Harding County Middle School - 03?
60 students attend Harding County Middle School - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
100% of Harding County Middle School - 03 students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Harding County Middle School - 03?
Harding County Middle School - 03 has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Harding County Middle School - 03 offer ?
Harding County Middle School - 03 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Harding County Middle School - 03 part of?
Harding County Middle School - 03 is part of Harding County School District 31-1.
School Reviews
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