�鶹��ý

Home > South Dakota > Custer County

Custer School District 16-1

527 Montgomery St
Custer, SD 57730

( shown in map)

:

5/

10

Bottom 50%

Tel: (605) 673-3154

<�鶹��ý class="so-dt-title" id="top-rankings">Top Rankings

Custer School District 16-1 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:

Category

Attribute

Science Proficiency

Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)

Graduation Rate

Highest graduation rate (Top 5%)

Community Size

Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)

For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 468 students in Custer School District 16-1. This district's average elementary is 6/10, which is in the top 50% of public elementary schools in South Dakota.

Public Elementary Schools in Custer School District 16-1 have an score of 51% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and score of 46% (versus the 49% statewide average).

Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="overview">Overview

This School District

This State (SD)

# Schools

6 Schools

495 Schools

# Students

906 Students

100,764 Students

# Teachers

75 Teachers

7,485 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

12:1

12:1

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="student-by-grade">Student By Grade

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
Kind	84	68
1	63	63
2	54	64
3	67	61
4	58	62
5	66	63
6	76	63

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="district-rank">District Rank

Custer School District 16-1, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.

The school district's graduation rate of 92% has decreased from 95% over five school years.

This School District

State Average (SD)

#77 out of 148 school districts
(Bottom 50%)

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1
2023	#77
2022	#89
2021	#80
2019	#101
2018	#122
2017	#122
2016	#127
2015	#133
2013	#120
2012	#84
2011	#83

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

47%

42%

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	47%	42%
2022	41%	42%
2021	40%	43%
2019	40%	46%
2018	35%	47%
2017	38%	47%
2016	34%	45%
2015	31%	42%
2013	66%	73%
2012	75%	75%
2011	74%	76%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

51%

51%

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2022	51%	51%
2021	54%	52%
2019	54%	54%
2018	35%	54%
2017	44%	53%
2016	43%	52%
2015	39%	49%
2013	73%	74%
2012	80%	75%
2011	77%	75%
2010	79%	75%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

52%

42%

Science Proficiency Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2022	52%	42%
2021	40%	42%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

92%

82%

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	92%	82%
2022	77%	82%
2021	82%	80%
2020	92%	84%
2019	90%	83%
2018	95%	82%
2017	90%	82%
2016	87%	82%
2015	87%	82%
2014	87%	81%
2013	82%	81%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

<�鶹��ý class='so-dt-title' id="students-by-ethnicity">Students by Ethnicity:

0.27

0.55

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	0.28	0.51
2022	0.28	0.50
2021	0.27	0.50
2020	0.29	0.50
2019	0.29	0.50
2018	0.26	0.47
2017	0.26	0.47
2016	0.27	0.42
2015	0.27	0.41
2014	0.26	0.40
2013	0.26	0.38
2012	0.24	0.38
2011	0.20	0.40
2010	0.21	0.37
2009	0.20	0.38
2008	0.20	0.30
2007	0.16	0.28
2006	0.15	0.34
2005	0.18	0.28
2004	0.16	0.34
2003	0.16	0.32
2002	0.13	0.31
2001	0.14	0.31
2000	0.15	0.27
1999	0.14	0.29
1998	0.09	0.29
1997	0.13	0.29
1996	0.10	0.28
1995	0.09	0.28
1994	0.08	0.27
1993	0.08	0.25

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

2%

17%

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1993-2023)
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	3%	14%
2022	4%	14%
2021	5%	14%
2020	6%	16%
2019	6%	16%
2018	5%	16%
2017	5%	16%
2016	6%	12%
2015	6%	11%
2014	6%	11%
2013	7%	11%
2012	5%	12%
2011	5%	17%
2010	6%	16%
2009	7%	17%
2008	6%	12%
2007	6%	11%
2006	4%	17%
2005	6%	11%
2004	5%	16%
2003	4%	16%
2002	5%	15%
2001	5%	15%
2000	5%	14%
1999	6%	14%
1998	3%	14%
1997	6%	14%
1996	4%	14%
1995	4%	14%
1994	4%	13%
1993	4%	12%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Asian

1%

2%

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1998-2022)
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2022	1%	2%
2012	1%	2%
2011	1%	1%
2010	1%	1%
2009	1%	1%
2008	2%	1%
2006	1%	1%
2003	1%	1%
1999	1%	1%
1998	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

7%

8%

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1995-2023)
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	8%	8%
2022	7%	7%
2021	6%	7%
2020	6%	6%
2019	6%	6%
2018	6%	5%
2017	6%	5%
2016	7%	5%
2015	6%	5%
2014	5%	5%
2013	5%	4%
2012	5%	4%
2011	4%	3%
2010	3%	3%
2009	2%	3%
2008	2%	2%
2007	2%	2%
2006	2%	2%
2005	2%	2%
2004	2%	2%
2003	2%	1%
2002	1%	1%
2001	2%	1%
1999	1%	1%
1998	1%	1%
1997	1%	1%
1996	1%	1%
1995	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

n/a

3%

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2001-2023)
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	1%	3%
2020	1%	3%
2019	1%	3%
2018	1%	3%
2017	1%	3%
2014	1%	3%
2013	1%	3%
2012	1%	3%
2011	1%	2%
2010	1%	2%
2009	1%	2%
2008	1%	2%
2005	1%	2%
2004	1%	1%
2003	1%	1%
2002	1%	1%
2001	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

85%

64%

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1993-2023)
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	85%	68%
2022	84%	69%
2021	85%	69%
2020	84%	69%
2019	84%	69%
2018	86%	71%
2017	86%	71%
2016	85%	75%
2015	85%	76%
2014	86%	77%
2013	86%	78%
2012	87%	78%
2011	89%	76%
2010	89%	78%
2009	89%	77%
2008	89%	83%
2007	92%	84%
2006	92%	80%
2005	91%	84%
2004	92%	80%
2003	92%	81%
2002	93%	82%
2001	92%	82%
2000	92%	86%
1999	92%	83%
1998	95%	83%
1997	93%	83%
1996	95%	84%
1995	95%	84%
1994	96%	84%
1993	95%	86%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

n/a

% Two or more races

5%

6%

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023)
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	3%	5%
2022	4%	5%
2021	4%	5%
2020	3%	4%
2019	3%	4%
2018	2%	3%
2017	2%	3%
2016	2%	3%
2015	3%	3%
2014	2%	2%
2013	1%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

<�鶹��ý class="so-dt-title" id="district-revenue-and-spending">District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $15,472 is higher than the state median of $13,146. The school district revenue/student has grown by 9% over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $21,682 is higher than the state median of $12,647. The school district spending/student has grown by 60% over four school years.

This School District

This State (SD)

Total Revenue

$14 MM

$1,916 MM

Total Revenues Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	$14 MM	$6 MM
2022	$13 MM	$5 MM
2021	$14 MM	$6 MM
2020	$13 MM	$5 MM
2019	$13 MM	$5 MM
2018	$12 MM	$5 MM
2017	$11 MM	$5 MM
2016	$11 MM	$4 MM
2015	$10 MM	$4 MM
2014	$11 MM	$4 MM
2012	$10 MM	$4 MM
2011	$11 MM	$4 MM
2010	$10 MM	$4 MM
2009	$10 MM	$3 MM
2008	$10 MM	$3 MM
2007	$11 MM	$3 MM
2006	$11 MM	$3 MM
2005	$10 MM	$3 MM
2004	$8 MM	$3 MM
2003	$8 MM	$2 MM
2002	$7 MM	$2 MM
2001	$7 MM	$2 MM
2000	$7 MM	$2 MM
1999	$7 MM	$2 MM
1998	$7 MM	$2 MM
1997	$7 MM	$2 MM
1996	$6 MM	$2 MM
1995	$6 MM	$2 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$20 MM

$1,844 MM

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	$20 MM	$5 MM
2022	$13 MM	$5 MM
2021	$20 MM	$5 MM
2020	$13 MM	$5 MM
2019	$11 MM	$5 MM
2018	$11 MM	$5 MM
2017	$11 MM	$5 MM
2016	$10 MM	$4 MM
2015	$13 MM	$3 MM
2014	$9 MM	$4 MM
2012	$10 MM	$3 MM
2011	$16 MM	$4 MM
2010	$13 MM	$3 MM
2009	$10 MM	$3 MM
2008	$10 MM	$3 MM
2007	$10 MM	$3 MM
2006	$10 MM	$3 MM
2005	$15 MM	$3 MM
2004	$9 MM	$2 MM
2003	$7 MM	$3 MM
2002	$7 MM	$2 MM
2001	$7 MM	$2 MM
2000	$8 MM	$2 MM
1999	$7 MM	$2 MM
1998	$7 MM	$2 MM
1997	$6 MM	$2 MM
1996	$6 MM	$2 MM
1995	$6 MM	$2 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$15,472

$13,146

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	$15,387	$15,739
2022	$14,185	$14,965
2021	$15,768	$16,342
2020	$14,185	$14,965
2019	$13,481	$14,816
2018	$13,253	$15,113
2017	$12,889	$15,388
2016	$13,003	$14,130
2015	$11,984	$11,732
2014	$12,523	$11,720
2012	$11,615	$11,685
2011	$12,153	$11,891
2010	$11,338	$11,732
2009	$10,198	$10,941
2008	$10,873	$10,856
2007	$10,980	$10,306
2006	$11,110	$10,049
2005	$9,298	$9,356
2004	$8,283	$8,456
2003	$7,691	$8,337
2002	$7,182	$7,799
2001	$7,061	$7,600
2000	$6,534	$7,183
1999	$6,012	$6,671
1998	$6,293	$5,954
1997	$5,646	$5,709
1995	$4,759	$5,253
1992	$4,035	$4,776

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$21,682

$12,647

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	Custer School District 16-1	South Dakota
2023	$21,563	$14,560
2022	$13,538	$14,171
2021	$22,097	$15,118
2020	$13,538	$14,171
2019	$11,704	$14,567
2018	$11,942	$15,244
2017	$12,041	$14,997
2016	$11,468	$13,890
2015	$14,961	$11,206
2014	$10,488	$11,268
2012	$11,491	$10,790
2011	$18,489	$11,832
2010	$14,155	$11,206
2009	$9,804	$10,706
2008	$10,219	$10,238
2007	$9,986	$9,578
2006	$10,580	$9,559
2005	$14,758	$9,435
2004	$8,791	$8,315
2003	$7,403	$8,840
2002	$6,934	$8,399
2001	$6,966	$8,153
2000	$7,049	$7,670
1999	$6,286	$6,645
1998	$6,152	$5,696
1997	$5,353	$5,234
1995	$5,019	$5,109
1992	$3,998	$5,221

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Best Custer School District 16-1 Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

Custer Elementary - 02

(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
:

8/

10

Top 30%

Add to Compare

1415 Wildcat Ln
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4483

Gr: K-6 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%

Rank: #22.

Hermosa Elementary - 04

(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
:

3/

10

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

11 4th St
Hermosa, SD 57744
(605) 255-4345

Gr: K-6 | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 14%

�鶹��ý Articles

Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026

February 02, 2026

Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026

Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.

Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today

January 31, 2026

Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today

An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.

The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today

January 31, 2026

The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today

Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.

Quick Facts (2026)

District size: 6 schools
Grades: K-12
Enrollment: 906 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Minority Enrollment: 15%
: 92% (Top 5% in SD)
: Bottom 50%
: 47% (Top 50%)
: 51% (Btm 50%)
: 52% (Top 20%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

Quick Links

School Search Tools:

School by Type (SD):

Private & Boarding Schools:

State Links:

Most Popular Articles

A Relevant History of Public Education in the United States

A Relevant History of Public Education in the United States

School Rankings by Category

School Rankings by Category

The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights

The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights

Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?

Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?

Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes

Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes

More Articles

Teaching
Parenting and Learning Issues
Opinion
Public School Jobs
About Public Schools