Serving 247 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Hill City Elementary - 02 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 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower 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 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 247 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Hill City Elementary's attendance zone covers the entire Hill City school district, encompassing approximately 577.9 square miles around Hill City, SD. Families can expect typical driving times of 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being 14.5 miles and the furthest edge located 27.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hill City Elementary - 02's student population of 247 students has grown by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
247 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1960
School Calendar
School Motto
INSTILLING EXCELLENCE AND PRIDE
School Rankings
Hill City Elementary - 02 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 Hill City Elementary - 02 is 0.44, 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
#416 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
5%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
16%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
73%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.6%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hill City Elementary - 02's ranking?
Hill City Elementary - 02 is ranked #416 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Hill City Elementary - 02 often compared to?
Hill City Elementary - 02is often viewed alongside schools like Hot Springs Elementary - 02, Custer Elementary - 02 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Hill City Elementary - 02?
247 students attend Hill City Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Hill City Elementary - 02 students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are American Indian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hill City Elementary - 02?
Hill City Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Hill City Elementary - 02 offer ?
Hill City Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hill City Elementary - 02 part of?
Hill City Elementary - 02 is part of Hill City School District 51-2.
School Reviews
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