Hamlin County Schools & Education
Hamlin County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
40/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,568
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
40/100
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
#31
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Hamlin County
School Verdict
Hamlin County performs at an average level with a school score of 40/100 and a solid graduation rate of 92.8%.
Funding Context
At $5,568 per pupil, Hamlin County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Hamlin County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 5% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 10.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 25% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Hamlin County, South Dakota
Broad Reach and High Enrollment
Hamlin County manages ten public schools across three districts, serving a total of 1,478 students. The system features a balanced mix of four elementary, three middle, and three high schools. This infrastructure supports a larger student body compared to many of its neighboring rural counties.
Exceptional High School Success
The graduation rate in Hamlin County reaches an impressive 92.8%, far exceeding the national 87% benchmark. Educational efficiency is a hallmark here, as the county achieves these results with just $5,568 in per-pupil spending. The school score of 51.9 places the county comfortably ahead of state averages.
Hamlin School District Leads the Way
Hamlin School District 28-3 is the largest provider, educating 870 students across three main schools. Castlewood and Estelline districts also serve the county, with 334 and 274 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools, meaning 100% of the student population attends traditional public districts.
A Unified Rural Campus Feel
The county's schools are entirely rural, with an average size of 148 students per building. Hamlin Elementary is the largest facility, housing 451 students, while Estelline Elementary remains more intimate with 133 children. This variety allows parents to choose between slightly larger regional schools and smaller community settings.
Top-Tier Education for New Homeowners
With a graduation rate nearing 93%, Hamlin County is one of the top educational performers in the state. Home buyers frequently prioritize these school districts when looking for long-term stability and student success. Exploring property in Hamlin or Castlewood places your family within reach of these highly effective rural schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
10
in Hamlin County
Total Enrollment
1,478
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Hamlin County
Hamlin School District 28-3
Castlewood School District 28-1
Estelline School District 28-2
10 Public Schools in Hamlin County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamlin Elementary - 09 | Hamlin School District 28-3 | PK–5 | Primary | 451 |
| Hamlin High School - 01 | Hamlin School District 28-3 | 9–12 | High | 233 |
| Hamlin Middle School - 02 | Hamlin School District 28-3 | 6–8 | Middle | 186 |
| Castlewood Elementary - 02 | Castlewood School District 28-1 | PK–5 | Primary | 154 |
| Estelline Elementary - 02 | Estelline School District 28-2 | PK–5 | Primary | 133 |
| Castlewood High School - 01 | Castlewood School District 28-1 | 9–12 | High | 91 |
| Estelline High School - 01 | Estelline School District 28-2 | 9–12 | High | 79 |
| Castlewood Middle School - 03 | Castlewood School District 28-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 75 |
| Estelline Middle School - 03 | Estelline School District 28-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 62 |
| Claremont Colony Elementary - 04 | Castlewood School District 28-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 14 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,568
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Hamlin County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Hamlin County?
How much does Hamlin County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Hamlin County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Hamlin County, South Dakota?
Hamlin County manages ten public schools across three districts, serving a total of 1,478 students. The system features a balanced mix of four elementary, three middle, and three high schools. This infrastructure supports a larger student body compared to many of its neighboring rural counties.
How do schools in Hamlin County perform academically?
The graduation rate in Hamlin County reaches an impressive 92.8%, far exceeding the national 87% benchmark. Educational efficiency is a hallmark here, as the county achieves these results with just $5,568 in per-pupil spending. The school score of 51.9 places the county comfortably ahead of state averages.
What are the major school districts in Hamlin County, South Dakota?
Hamlin School District 28-3 is the largest provider, educating 870 students across three main schools. Castlewood and Estelline districts also serve the county, with 334 and 274 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools, meaning 100% of the student population attends traditional public districts.
What is the school experience like in Hamlin County?
The county's schools are entirely rural, with an average size of 148 students per building. Hamlin Elementary is the largest facility, housing 451 students, while Estelline Elementary remains more intimate with 133 children. This variety allows parents to choose between slightly larger regional schools and smaller community settings.
How can I find homes near good schools in Hamlin County, South Dakota?
With a graduation rate nearing 93%, Hamlin County is one of the top educational performers in the state. Home buyers frequently prioritize these school districts when looking for long-term stability and student success. Exploring property in Hamlin or Castlewood places your family within reach of these highly effective rural schools.
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.