Harding County Schools & Education
Harding County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
66/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,361
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
66/100
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
#6
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Harding County
School Verdict
Harding County performs at an average level with a school score of 66/100 and a solid graduation rate of 90.0%.
Funding Context
Harding County spends $9,361 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Harding County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 74% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 7.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 26% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Harding County, South Dakota
An Ultra-Personalized Learning Network
Harding County operates five public schools for a small student body of 224, all within a single district. The landscape includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This distribution ensures that education remains accessible even in the most remote parts of the county.
Leading the State in Quality
Harding County achieves an impressive school score of 58.6, the highest among its peers and well above the national median of 50.0. The county invests $9,361 per pupil, which is nearly $2,000 more than the South Dakota state average. This investment yields a strong 90% graduation rate, confirming the effectiveness of its school system.
Unified Under Harding County 31-1
Harding County School District 31-1 manages every public school and student in the county. There are no charter options, as the community relies entirely on its highly-rated traditional public school system. This single-district model allows for a cohesive educational strategy across the entire region.
The Essence of Rural Education
The average school size in Harding County is a mere 45 students, offering an unparalleled level of individual attention. Buffalo Elementary is the largest facility with 92 students, while Ludlow and Camp Crook elementaries serve just eight students each. All five schools are situated in rural locales, providing a peaceful and distraction-free learning environment.
Excellence in the Great Open Spaces
Harding County is a premier choice for home buyers who prioritize high academic scores and tiny class sizes. With the highest school score in the region, your investment in a home here is also an investment in a top-tier education. Look for properties near Buffalo to be at the heart of this high-achieving district.
School Overview
Total Schools
5
in Harding County
Total Enrollment
224
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Harding County
Harding County School District 31-1
5 Public Schools in Harding County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Elementary - 02 | Harding County School District 31-1 | KG–5 | Primary | 92 |
| Harding County Middle School - 03 | Harding County School District 31-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 60 |
| Harding County High School - 01 | Harding County School District 31-1 | 9–12 | High | 56 |
| Ludlow Elementary - 06 | Harding County School District 31-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 8 |
| Camp Crook Elementary - 08 | Harding County School District 31-1 | KG–8 | Primary | 8 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,361
State avg $7,409
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Harding County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Harding County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Harding County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Harding County?
How much does Harding County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Harding County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Harding County, South Dakota?
Harding County operates five public schools for a small student body of 224, all within a single district. The landscape includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This distribution ensures that education remains accessible even in the most remote parts of the county.
How do schools in Harding County perform academically?
Harding County achieves an impressive school score of 58.6, the highest among its peers and well above the national median of 50.0. The county invests $9,361 per pupil, which is nearly $2,000 more than the South Dakota state average. This investment yields a strong 90% graduation rate, confirming the effectiveness of its school system.
What are the major school districts in Harding County, South Dakota?
Harding County School District 31-1 manages every public school and student in the county. There are no charter options, as the community relies entirely on its highly-rated traditional public school system. This single-district model allows for a cohesive educational strategy across the entire region.
What is the school experience like in Harding County?
The average school size in Harding County is a mere 45 students, offering an unparalleled level of individual attention. Buffalo Elementary is the largest facility with 92 students, while Ludlow and Camp Crook elementaries serve just eight students each. All five schools are situated in rural locales, providing a peaceful and distraction-free learning environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Harding County, South Dakota?
Harding County is a premier choice for home buyers who prioritize high academic scores and tiny class sizes. With the highest school score in the region, your investment in a home here is also an investment in a top-tier education. Look for properties near Buffalo to be at the heart of this high-achieving district.
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.