Serving 115 students in grades 6-8, Hill City Middle School - 04 ranks in the top 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 65-69% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 115 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Hill City Middle School's attendance zone encompasses the entire Hill City school district, covering approximately 577.9 square miles in Hill City, SD. Parents can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 14.5 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 27.8 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hill City Middle School - 04 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Hill City Middle School - 04's student population of 115 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 5 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
115 students
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Hill City Middle School - 04 ranks within the top 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hill City Middle School - 04 is 0.51, 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
#238 out of 619 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
22%
9%
White
66%
66%
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)12.2%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Rangers
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hill City Middle School - 04's ranking?
Hill City Middle School - 04 is ranked #238 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Hill City Middle School - 04 often compared to?
Hill City Middle School - 04is often viewed alongside schools like Hot Springs Middle School - 06, Custer Jr. High - 05 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 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Hill City Middle School - 04?
115 students attend Hill City Middle School - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Hill City Middle School - 04 students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hill City Middle School - 04?
Hill City Middle School - 04 has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Hill City Middle School - 04 offer ?
Hill City Middle School - 04 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hill City Middle School - 04 part of?
Hill City Middle School - 04 is part of Hill City School District 51-2.
School Reviews
Review Hill City Middle School - 04. 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
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.
