Custer County Schools & Education
Custer County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,324
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#9
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Custer County
School Verdict
Custer County performs at an average level with a school score of 57/100 and a solid graduation rate of 92.0%.
Funding Context
At $7,324 per pupil, Custer County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Custer County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 50% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 9.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 1% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Custer County, South Dakota
Educational Excellence in the Black Hills
Custer County provides education for 922 students across six public schools and two districts. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to serve its growing community.
Elite Graduation Rates and Solid Scores
The county achieves an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. With a school score of 55.3 and per-pupil spending of $7,324, the county shows strong returns on its educational investment.
Custer School District Dominance
Custer School District 16-1 manages four schools and 911 students, representing nearly the entire student population of the county. Charter schools are not present, as the county relies on its highly-rated traditional public districts.
From Mountain Towns to Tiny Rural Outposts
The county is entirely rural, yet school sizes vary wildly from Custer Elementary's 304 students to Elk Mountain Elementary, which serves just 9 students. This range provides a unique spectrum of educational experiences within a single county.
Find Your Home Near Custer Schools
Custer County's high graduation rates make it a premier destination for families prioritizing academic success. View local real estate to find a home within this high-performing school system.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Custer County
Total Enrollment
922
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Custer County
Custer School District 16-1
Elk Mountain School District 16-2
6 Public Schools in Custer County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custer Elementary - 02 | Custer School District 16-1 | KG–6 | Primary | 304 |
| Custer High School - 01 | Custer School District 16-1 | 9–12 | High | 284 |
| Hermosa Elementary - 04 | Custer School District 16-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 222 |
| Custer Jr. High - 05 | Custer School District 16-1 | 7–8 | Middle | 101 |
| Elk Mountain Elementary - 01 | Elk Mountain School District 16-2 | PK–8 | Primary | 9 |
| Elk Mountain High School - 04 | Elk Mountain School District 16-2 | 9–12 | High | 2 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,324
State avg $7,409
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Custer County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Custer County?
How much does Custer County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Custer County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Custer County, South Dakota?
Custer County provides education for 922 students across six public schools and two districts. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to serve its growing community.
How do schools in Custer County perform academically?
The county achieves an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. With a school score of 55.3 and per-pupil spending of $7,324, the county shows strong returns on its educational investment.
What are the major school districts in Custer County, South Dakota?
Custer School District 16-1 manages four schools and 911 students, representing nearly the entire student population of the county. Charter schools are not present, as the county relies on its highly-rated traditional public districts.
What is the school experience like in Custer County?
The county is entirely rural, yet school sizes vary wildly from Custer Elementary's 304 students to Elk Mountain Elementary, which serves just 9 students. This range provides a unique spectrum of educational experiences within a single county.
How can I find homes near good schools in Custer County, South Dakota?
Custer County's high graduation rates make it a premier destination for families prioritizing academic success. View local real estate to find a home within this high-performing school system.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.