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 (26-27)
- 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's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Buffalo, SD, encompassing approximately 2,678.1 square miles. Families within this area can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge 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
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 1987–2025
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 1987–2025
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%)
Showing 2015–2023. Show full history, 2010–2023 (no data for 2014 and 2020)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
42%
Showing 2015–2023. Show full history, 2010–2023 (no data for 2014 and 2020)
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
51%
Showing 2013–2022. Show full history, 2010–2022 (no data for 2014 and 2020)
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 1987–2025
White
100%
66%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 1993–2025
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%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 1995–2025 (no data for 1996 and 2005)
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 1999–2025 (no data for 2005 and 2022)
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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