Serving 293 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Custer Elementary - 02 ranks in the top 30% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 293 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Custer Elementary - 02 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Custer Elementary - 02's student population of 293 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
293 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Rankings
Custer Elementary - 02 ranks within the top 30% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Custer Elementary - 02 is 0.27, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#142 out of 619 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
42%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
8%
8%
Black
n/a
3%
White
85%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
19%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Custer Elementary - 02's ranking?
Custer Elementary - 02 is ranked #142 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in South Dakota.
What schools are Custer Elementary - 02 often compared to?
Custer Elementary - 02is often viewed alongside schools like Hill City Elementary - 02, Hot Springs Elementary - 02 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Custer Elementary - 02?
293 students attend Custer Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Custer Elementary - 02 students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Custer Elementary - 02?
Custer Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Custer Elementary - 02 offer ?
Custer Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Custer Elementary - 02 part of?
Custer Elementary - 02 is part of Custer School District 16-1.
School Reviews
Review Custer Elementary - 02. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.