For the 2026-27 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 (2026-27)
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
Hughes County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
206 S Nixon
Harrold, SD 57536
(605) 875-3298
Harrold, SD 57536
(605) 875-3298
Gr: K-6 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
206 S Nixon
Harrold, SD 57536
(605) 875-3298
Harrold, SD 57536
(605) 875-3298
Gr: 9-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
206 S Nixon
Harrold, SD 57536
(605) 875-3298
Harrold, SD 57536
(605) 875-3298
Gr: 7-8 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
716 E Dakota Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7380
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7380
Gr: K-5 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
18800 Sd Hwy 1804
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 258-2180
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 258-2180
Gr: K-8 | 5 students
716 E Dakota
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7380
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7380
Gr: K-8 | 7 students
106 S Monroe Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7370
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-7370
Gr: K-5 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
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
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.