For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 221 students in Harding County, SD.
The top ranked public schools in Harding County, SD are Harding County Middle School - 03, Buffalo Elementary - 02 and Harding County High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Harding County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Harding County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 3% 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 Harding County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Harding County Middle School - 03
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Grades: 6-8
| 58 students
Rank: #22.
Buffalo Elementary - 02
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Grades: K-5
| 101 students
Rank: #33.
Harding County High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Grades: 9-12
| 62 students
Harding County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Main St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Grades: K-8
| 8 students
1300 Ludlow Rd
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Grades: K-8
| 8 students
Po Box 367
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Grades: K-8
| 7 students
Po Box 367
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Grades: K-8
| 6 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Harding County, SD?
The top ranked public schools in Harding County, SD include Harding County Middle School - 03, Buffalo Elementary - 02 and Harding County High School - 01.
How many public schools are located in Harding County?
3 public schools are located in Harding County.
What is the racial composition of students in Harding County?
Harding County public schools minority enrollment is 3% 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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