For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 473 students in Butte County, SD.
The top ranked public high schools in Butte County, SD are Belle Fourche High School - 01, Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 and Newell High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butte County, SD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 63% statewide average). High schools in Butte County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public high schools.
Butte County, SD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 83%, which is more than the South Dakota average of 81%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Belle Fourche High School - 01, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Best Public High Schools in Butte County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Belle Fourche High School - 01
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1301 12th Ave
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605) 723-3350
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605) 723-3350
Grades: 9-12
| 372 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1301 12th Ave
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605) 723-0955
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605) 723-0955
Grades: 9-12
| 35 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Newell High School - 01
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
501 Dartmouth Ave
Newell, SD 57760
(605) 456-0102
Newell, SD 57760
(605) 456-0102
Grades: 9-12
| 66 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Butte County, SD?
The top ranked public high schools in Butte County, SD include Belle Fourche High School - 01, Belle Fourche Education Connection - 09 and Newell High School - 01.
How many public high schools are located in Butte County?
3 public high schools are located in Butte County.
What is the racial composition of students in Butte County?
Butte County public high schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public high schools average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles

Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.

How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.