Best Rapid City Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 2,959 students in Rapid City, SD.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Rapid City, SD are Southwest Middle School - 38, West Middle School - 37 and East Middle School - 30. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rapid City, SD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Rapid City have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Middle Schools in Rapid City, SD (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southwest Middle School - 38
(Math: 59% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
4501 Park Dr
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-6792
Gr: 6-8 | 614 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
West Middle School - 37
(Math: 41% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1003 Soo San Dr
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-4033
Gr: 6-8 | 591 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #33.
East Middle School - 30
(Math: 35% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4860 Homestead St
Rapid City, SD 57703
(605) 394-4092
Gr: 6-8 | 613 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
South Middle School - 36
(Math: 24% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2 Indiana St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4024
Gr: 6-8 | 618 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #55.
North Middle School - 35
(Math: 15% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1501 N Maple St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4042
Gr: 6-8 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: n/an/a
Jefferson Building - 64
Special Education School
21 St Joseph St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-1813
Gr: PK-12 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: n/an/a
Wellfully - 65
Alternative School
22 Waterloo St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Gr: 1-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 57%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Rapid City, SD?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Rapid City, SD include Southwest Middle School - 38, West Middle School - 37 and East Middle School - 30.
How many public middle schools are located in Rapid City?
7 public middle schools are located in Rapid City.
What is the racial composition of students in Rapid City?
Rapid City public middle schools minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public middle schools average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Which public middle schools in Rapid City are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
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
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
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.

Quick Links