For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,829 students in Hughes County, SD (there are 1 private school, serving 186 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Hughes County, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hughes County, SD are Buchanan Elementary - 03, T F Riggs High School - 01 and Kennedy Elementary - 08. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hughes County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Hughes County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public school average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Hughes County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Buchanan Elementary - 03
(Math: 56% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 N Buchanan Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7310
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7310
Gr: K-5 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
T F Riggs High School - 01
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1010 E Broadway Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7350
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7350
Gr: 9-12 | 855 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Kennedy Elementary - 08
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2306 Brookstone Loop
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7370
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7370
Gr: K-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Elementary - 06
(Math: 47% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 N Poplar Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7320
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7320
Gr: K-5 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Georgia Morse Middle School - 02
(Math: 46% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
309 E Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7330
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7330
Gr: 6-8 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
3001 East Sully Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8661
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8661
Gr: 1-8 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hughes County, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Hughes County, SD include Buchanan Elementary - 03, T F Riggs High School - 01 and Kennedy Elementary - 08.
How many public schools are located in Hughes County?
7 public schools are located in Hughes County.
What percentage of students in Hughes County go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Hughes County are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hughes County?
Hughes County public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public schools average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Hughes County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hughes County include: Kennedy Elementary - 08 vs. Buchanan Elementary - 03, Jefferson Elementary - 06 vs. Buchanan Elementary - 03, Buchanan Elementary - 03 vs. Kennedy Elementary - 08
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