For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public middle schools serving 3,782 students in Pennington County, SD.
The top ranked public middle schools in Pennington County, SD are Southwest Middle School - 38, Hill City Middle School - 04 and Rapid City Online Middle School - 93. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pennington County, SD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Pennington County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Middle Schools in Pennington County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Southwest Middle School - 38
(Math: 59% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4501 Park Dr
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-6792
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-6792
Grades: 6-8
| 665 students
Rank: #22.
Hill City Middle School - 04
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
341 Main St
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-3025
Hill City, SD 57745
(605) 574-3025
Grades: 6-8
| 118 students
Rank: #33.
Rapid City Online Middle School - 93
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
625 9th St Ste 208
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4067
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4067
Grades: 6-8
| 16 students
Rank: #44.
Wall Middle School - 06
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
401 S Blvd W
Wall, SD 57790
(605) 279-2156
Wall, SD 57790
(605) 279-2156
Grades: 6-8
| 59 students
Rank: #55.
West Middle School - 37
(Math: 43% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1003 Soo San Dr
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-4033
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-4033
Grades: 6-8
| 603 students
Rank: #66.
Douglas Middle School - 01
(Math: 32% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
691 Tower Rd
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0050
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0050
Grades: 6-8
| 623 students
Rank: #77.
East Middle School - 30
(Math: 32% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4860 Homestead St
Rapid City, SD 57703
(605) 394-4092
Rapid City, SD 57703
(605) 394-4092
Grades: 6-8
| 611 students
Rank: #88.
South Middle School - 36
(Math: 24% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2 Indiana St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4024
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4024
Grades: 6-8
| 502 students
Rank: #99.
New Underwood Middle School - 04
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
300 E Ash St
New Underwood, SD 57761
(605) 754-6485
New Underwood, SD 57761
(605) 754-6485
Grades: 6-8
| 59 students
Rank: #1010.
North Middle School - 35
(Math: 16% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1501 N Maple St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4042
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4042
Grades: 6-8
| 480 students
Rank: #1111.
Jefferson Building - 64
Special Education School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
21 St Joseph St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-1813
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-1813
Grades: PK-12
| 35 students
Rank: n/an/a
Wellfully - 65
Alternative School
22 Waterloo St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Grades: 1-12
| 11 students
Pennington County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
9th Grade Academy - 72 (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
1315 Quincy St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-3553
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-3553
Grades: 9-10
| 59 students
Alternative Education Center - 73 (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
21 St Joseph St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Grades: 9-12
| 62 students
401 Don Williams Dr
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0080
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0080
Grades: K-1
| 464 students
19910 222nd St
Wall, SD 57790
(605) 279-2156
Wall, SD 57790
(605) 279-2156
Grades: K-6
| n/a students
Career Learning Center - 71 (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
730 East Watertown
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-6718
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-6718
Grades: 9-12
| 11 students
420 Patriot Drive
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0013
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0013
Grades: 9-12
| 703 students
441 Don Williams Dr
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0070
Box Elder, SD 57719
(605) 923-0070
Grades: 2-3
| 492 students
Kibben-kuster - 52 (Closed 2014)
Special Education School
3302 West St Cloud St
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-1813
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-1813
Grades: PK-12
| 37 students
Po Box 128
New Underwood, SD 57761
(605) 754-6485
New Underwood, SD 57761
(605) 754-6485
Grades: 7-8
| 48 students
Rapid City High School - 45 (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
601 Columbus St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Grades: 9-12
| 356 students
Virtual School - 74 (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
21 St Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-4048
Grades: 6-12
| 1 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Pennington County, SD?
The top ranked public middle schools in Pennington County, SD include Southwest Middle School - 38, Hill City Middle School - 04 and Rapid City Online Middle School - 93.
How many public middle schools are located in Pennington County?
12 public middle schools are located in Pennington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pennington County?
Pennington County public middle schools minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public middle schools average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Which public middle schools in Pennington County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Pennington County include: West Middle School - 37 vs. Southwest Middle School - 38, North Middle School - 35 vs. South Middle School - 36, South Middle School - 36 vs. Southwest Middle School - 38
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
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.
