For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,021 students in Hughes County, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Hughes County, SD are Buchanan Elementary - 03, Kennedy Elementary - 08 and Jefferson Elementary - 06. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hughes County, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Hughes County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Hughes County (2026)
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 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
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 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #33.
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 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
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 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
3001 East Sully Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8661
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8661
Gr: 1-8 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Hughes County, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Hughes County, SD include Buchanan Elementary - 03, Kennedy Elementary - 08 and Jefferson Elementary - 06.
How many public elementary schools are located in Hughes County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Hughes County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hughes County?
Hughes County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.