For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,815 students in Pierre, SD (there are , serving 186 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Pierre, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Pierre, 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.
Pierre, 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 Pierre 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 33% (majority American Indian).
Best 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ in Pierre, SD (2025-26)
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 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
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 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
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 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
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 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
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 | 681 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
3001 East Sully Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8661
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8661
Gr: 1-8 | 127 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Pierre, South Dakota 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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
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 Pierre, SD?
The top ranked public schools in Pierre, SD include Buchanan Elementary - 03, T F Riggs High School - 01 and Kennedy Elementary - 08.
How many public schools are located in Pierre?
6 public schools are located in Pierre.
What percentage of students in Pierre go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Pierre are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pierre?
Pierre public schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Pierre are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Pierre include: Kennedy Elementary - 08 vs. Buchanan Elementary - 03, Jefferson Elementary - 06 vs. Buchanan Elementary - 03, Buchanan Elementary - 03 vs. Jefferson Elementary - 06
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.