Hughes County Schools & Education
Hughes County, South Dakota
School Score
36/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below 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
$6,262
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
36/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
State School Rank
#38
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Explore Hughes County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Hughes County, South Dakota
Education Hub of the State Capitol
Hughes County serves 2,795 students, making it the largest educational center in this eight-county group. The infrastructure consists of six public schools, including four elementary, one middle, and one large high school. Most of these facilities are concentrated within a single, robust school district.
Consistent High School Outcomes
The county maintains a 90% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state's 82.4% average. Per-pupil spending of $6,262 is lower than the state average, yet the county still produces a school score of 51.9, which beats the national median. This data suggests a high level of efficiency in the Pierre-based school system.
Pierre School District 32-2 Leads
The Pierre School District 32-2 is the dominant force in the county, educating 2,762 of the area's 2,795 students. There are no charter schools currently operating, with the district providing a comprehensive traditional public education to nearly all residents. This concentration of resources supports diverse extracurricular and academic programs.
Town-Centered Schools with Large Campuses
Unlike its more rural neighbors, four of the six schools in Hughes County are located in town settings, giving them a more urban feel. T F Riggs High School is the largest in the region with 842 students, and the average school size is 466. This larger scale allows for specialized facilities like the Georgia Morse Middle School.
Living Near the Heart of Success
If you are looking for a home in a town with a strong, centralized school district, Pierre is the obvious choice. The 90% graduation rate provides peace of mind for parents moving to the state capitol. Explore homes in Hughes County to enjoy the benefits of a larger school system within a tight-knit town community.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Hughes County
Total Enrollment
2,795
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Hughes County
Pierre School District 32-2
6 Public Schools in Hughes County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T F Riggs High School - 01 | Pierre School District 32-2 | 9–12 | High | 842 |
| Georgia Morse Middle School - 02 | Pierre School District 32-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 684 |
| Jefferson Elementary - 06 | Pierre School District 32-2 | KG–5 | Primary | 430 |
| Buchanan Elementary - 03 | Pierre School District 32-2 | KG–5 | Primary | 418 |
| Kennedy Elementary - 08 | Pierre School District 32-2 | KG–5 | Primary | 388 |
| Blunt Elementary - 03 | Agar-Blunt-Onida School District 58-3 | PK–4 | Primary | 33 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,262
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Hughes County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Hughes County, South Dakota?
Hughes County serves 2,795 students, making it the largest educational center in this eight-county group. The infrastructure consists of six public schools, including four elementary, one middle, and one large high school. Most of these facilities are concentrated within a single, robust school district.
How do schools in Hughes County perform academically?
The county maintains a 90% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state's 82.4% average. Per-pupil spending of $6,262 is lower than the state average, yet the county still produces a school score of 51.9, which beats the national median. This data suggests a high level of efficiency in the Pierre-based school system.
What are the major school districts in Hughes County, South Dakota?
The Pierre School District 32-2 is the dominant force in the county, educating 2,762 of the area's 2,795 students. There are no charter schools currently operating, with the district providing a comprehensive traditional public education to nearly all residents. This concentration of resources supports diverse extracurricular and academic programs.
What is the school experience like in Hughes County?
Unlike its more rural neighbors, four of the six schools in Hughes County are located in town settings, giving them a more urban feel. T F Riggs High School is the largest in the region with 842 students, and the average school size is 466. This larger scale allows for specialized facilities like the Georgia Morse Middle School.
How can I find homes near good schools in Hughes County, South Dakota?
If you are looking for a home in a town with a strong, centralized school district, Pierre is the obvious choice. The 90% graduation rate provides peace of mind for parents moving to the state capitol. Explore homes in Hughes County to enjoy the benefits of a larger school system within a tight-knit town community.
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.