For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,358 students in Hamlin County, SD (there are 1 private school, serving 6 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Hamlin County, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Hamlin County, SD are Hamlin Elementary - 09, Castlewood Elementary - 02 and Castlewood High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hamlin County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Hamlin County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Hamlin County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Hamlin Elementary - 09
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3631
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3631
Grades: PK-5
| 467 students
Rank: #22.
Castlewood Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Grades: PK-5
| 144 students
Rank: #33.
Castlewood High School - 01
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Grades: 9-12
| 106 students
Rank: #44.
Claremont Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
46271 184th St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Grades: K-8
| 15 students
Rank: #55.
Castlewood Middle School - 03
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Grades: 6-8
| 73 students
Rank: #66.
Hamlin High School - 01
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Grades: 9-12
| 232 students
Rank: #77.
Hamlin Middle School - 02
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Grades: 6-8
| 182 students
Rank: #88.
Estelline Middle School - 03
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
708 Davis Ave
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Grades: 6-8
| 53 students
Rank: #99.
Estelline High School - 01
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
708 Davis Ave
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Grades: 9-12
| 86 students
Hamlin County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
404 6th St N
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Grades: PK-5
| 136 students
Ne Ed Services Cooperative - 01 (Closed 2009)
Special Education School
310 5th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3607
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3607
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Hamlin County, SD?
The top ranked public schools in Hamlin County, SD include Hamlin Elementary - 09, Castlewood Elementary - 02 and Castlewood High School - 01.
How many public schools are located in Hamlin County?
9 public schools are located in Hamlin County.
What percentage of students in Hamlin County go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Hamlin County are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hamlin County?
Hamlin County public schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
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