- Black Hawk Elementary - 03 — 2.8 mi · Grades K–5 · 305 students
- Pinedale Elementary - 11 — 6.8 mi · Grades K–5 · 377 students
- South Canyon Elementary - 15 — 7.3 mi · Grades K–5 · 274 students
- Stevens High School - 42 — 7.7 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,771 students
- West Middle School - 37 — 8.0 mi · Grades 6–8 · 591 students
- Horace Mann Elementary - 07 — 8.5 mi · Grades K–5 · 274 students
- Central High School - 41 — 8.9 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,998 students
- Meadowbrook Elementary - 10 — 8.9 mi · Grades K–5 · 478 students
| Metric | Black Hawk School District 51-4 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 12,747 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 27 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,125/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 37% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City School District 51-4 (this district) | 4/10 | 30th | 12,747 |
| Meade School District 46-1 | 7/10 | 63rd | 3,058 |
| Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 | 4/10 | 31st | 736 |
| Douglas School District 51-1 | 5/10 | 41st | 2,750 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 146 rated districts in SD → 30th percentile → 4/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Rapid City School District 51-4
Families in zip code 57718 (Black Hawk, South Dakota) are assigned to Rapid City School District 51-4 for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Rapid City School District 51-4 4 out of 10 — below average among South Dakota public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because South Dakota is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Rapid City School District 51-4 carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical South Dakota benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 57718
Children in zip code 57718 are assigned to Rapid City School District 51-4 for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 57718, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Rapid City School District 51-4 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — South Dakota districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Black Hawk
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Rapid City School District 51-4 serves zip code 57718, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 57718. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In South Dakota, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Rapid City School District 51-4 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 57718.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Rapid City School District 51-4 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 57718 data.