For the 2026 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, Harding County High School - 01 and Buffalo Elementary - 02. 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 56% (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 10/10, which is in the top 10% 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 34% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Harding County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harding County Middle School - 03
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: 6-8 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #22.
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
Gr: 9-12 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #33.
Buffalo Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: K-5 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Harding County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Main St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: K-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
1300 Ludlow Rd
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: K-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Po Box 367
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: K-8 | 7 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, Harding County High School - 01 and Buffalo Elementary - 02.
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 34% (majority American Indian).
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