For the 2026 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 Public Schools in Pierre, SD (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 | 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 Public Schools (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. Kennedy Elementary - 08
Recent Articles
Transitioning to High School: A Family Guide
Learn how to prepare for high school with practical tips for families before freshman year, from academics to social readiness.
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Transitioning to Middle School: Summer Planning Guide
A practical 2026 summer planning guide to help parents support a smooth middle school transition for their child.