For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,409 students in Hartford, SD.
The top-ranked public schools in Hartford, SD are West Central Humboldt Elementary - 02, Brighten Transition Youth Treatment Center - 07 and Falls Academy - 08. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hartford, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Hartford have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Hartford, SD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Central Humboldt Elementary - 02
(Math: 62% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
600 S Main St
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 363-3131
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 363-3131
Gr: K-5 | 403 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Brighten Transition Youth Treatment Center - 07
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
46560 264th St
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-3799
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-3799
Gr: 8-12 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #33.
Falls Academy - 08
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
46560 264th St
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-3799
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-3799
Gr: 5-12 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #44.
West Central High School - 01
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
705 E 2nd St
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-6236
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-6236
Gr: 9-12 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
West Central Middle School - 04
(Math: 46% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
705 E 2nd St
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-3799
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-3799
Gr: 6-8 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
303 E 2nd St
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-3215
Hartford, SD 57033
(605) 528-3215
Gr: K-2 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hartford, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Hartford, SD include West Central Humboldt Elementary - 02, Brighten Transition Youth Treatment Center - 07 and Falls Academy - 08.
How many public schools are located in Hartford?
6 public schools are located in Hartford.
What is the racial composition of students in Hartford?
Hartford public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.