Top Rankings
Hill City School District 51-2 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 5%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 520 students in Hill City School District 51-2. This district's average testing ranking is 6/10, which is in the top 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
Public Schools in Hill City School District 51-2 have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
3 Schools
724 Schools
# Students
520 Students
146,776 Students
# Teachers
36 Teachers
10,614 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Hill City School District 51-2, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 90% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#70 out of 148 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
42%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥90%
82%
Chronically Absent Students
(2022-23)13.8%
22.5%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.46
0.53
% American Indian
3%
14%
% Asian
2%
2%
% Hispanic
18%
9%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
71%
66%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $14,281 is higher than the state median of $13,055. The school district revenue/student has declined by 8% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $12,148 is less than the state median of $12,560. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$7 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$6 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,281
$13,055
Spending / Student
$12,148
$12,560
Best Hill City School District 51-2 Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Hill City High School - 01
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
488 Main St
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-3000
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-3000
Gr: 9-12 | 158 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Hill City Middle School - 04
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
341 Main St
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-3025
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-3025
Gr: 6-8 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Hill City Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
341 Main St
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-3015
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-3015
Gr: PK-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Hill City School District 51-2?
Hill City School District 51-2 manages 3 public schools serving 520 students.
What is the rank of Hill City School District 51-2?
Hill City School District 51-2 is ranked #67 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (top 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of South Dakota school districts for: Highest science proficiency (Top 5%) and Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Hill City School District 51-2?
71% of Hill City School District 51-2 students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Hill City School District 51-2?
Hill City School District 51-2 has a student/teacher ratio of 14:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Hill City School District 51-2's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $12,148 is less than the state median of $12,560. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
