For the 2026 school year, there are 11 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 Claremont Colony Elementary - 04. 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 53% (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 7/10, 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 34% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Hamlin County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: PK-5 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
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
Gr: K-8 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #44.
Castlewood High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: 9-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Castlewood Middle School - 03
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
310 E Harry St
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Castlewood, SD 57223
(605) 793-2497
Gr: 6-8 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Hamlin High School - 01
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Gr: 9-12 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Estelline Middle School - 03
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
708 Davis Ave
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Gr: 6-8 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Hamlin Middle School - 02
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Gr: 6-8 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #99.
Estelline High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
708 Davis Ave
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Gr: 9-12 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1010.
Estelline Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
404 6th St N
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Estelline, SD 57234
(605) 873-2201
Gr: PK-5 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Ne Ed Services Cooperative - 01
Special Education School
310 5th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3607
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3607
Gr: K-12
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 Claremont Colony Elementary - 04.
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 34% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Hamlin County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hamlin County include: Estelline High School - 01 vs. Castlewood High School - 01, Castlewood High School - 01 vs. Estelline High School - 01
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