For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 221 students in Buffalo, SD.
The top ranked public schools in Buffalo, SD are Harding County Middle School - 03, Harding County High School - 01 and Buffalo Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buffalo, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Buffalo have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools in Buffalo, SD (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harding County Middle School - 03
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: 6-8 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #22.
Harding County High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: 9-12 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #33.
Buffalo Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
12474 Tipperary St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: K-5 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Buffalo, South Dakota ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Main St
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: K-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
1300 Ludlow Rd
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: K-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Po Box 367
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Buffalo, SD 57720
(605) 375-3241
Gr: K-8 | 7 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Buffalo, SD?
The top ranked public schools in Buffalo, SD include Harding County Middle School - 03, Harding County High School - 01 and Buffalo Elementary - 02.
How many public schools are located in Buffalo?
3 public schools are located in Buffalo.
What is the racial composition of students in Buffalo?
Buffalo public schools minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.