For the 2026 school year, there are 4 blue ribbon public middle schools serving 362 students in South Dakota.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top-ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in South Dakota are Timber Lake Middle School - 03, Gettysburg Middle School - 03 and Hamlin Middle School - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Dakota blue ribbon public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Best Blue Ribbon Public Middle Schools in South Dakota (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Timber Lake Middle School - 03
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Main St
Timber Lake, SD 57656
(605) 865-3654
Timber Lake, SD 57656
(605) 865-3654
Gr: 6-8 | 81 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Gettysburg Middle School - 03
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 E King Ave
Gettysburg, SD 57442
(605) 765-2436
Gettysburg, SD 57442
(605) 765-2436
Gr: 6-8 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Hamlin Middle School - 02
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
44577 188th St
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Hayti, SD 57241
(605) 783-3644
Gr: 6-8 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Alcester-hudson Jr. High - 03
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
409 E 6th St
Alcester, SD 57001
(605) 934-1890
Alcester, SD 57001
(605) 934-1890
Gr: 7-8 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in South Dakota?
The top-ranked blue ribbon public middle schools in South Dakota include Timber Lake Middle School - 03, Gettysburg Middle School - 03 and Hamlin Middle School - 02.
How many blue ribbon public middle schools are located in South Dakota?
4 blue ribbon public middle schools are located in South Dakota.
What is the racial composition of students in South Dakota?
South Dakota blue ribbon public middle schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public middle schools average of 42% (majority American Indian).
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