education
Public
Private
Homeschool
Higher Education
Public K-12
Rapid City/Box Elder consist of two public school districts – Rapid City and Douglas. Both are run by independent school board elected by the people. As proud supporters of local military families, both school districts have programs and processes in place to help children of military families settle into the school district and thrive.
Also, don’t forget to contact the Ellsworth Air Force Base School Liaison office for help connecting with local schools and special programming.
Rapid City Area School District
Rapid City Area School is the largest of the districts and is comprised of 15 Elementary Schools (K-5), 5 Middle Schools (6-8), and 3 High Schools (9-12). Rapid City Area Schools offer open enrollment based on space availability.
Douglas School District
Douglas School District is closest to the base, located in Box Elder and enjoys a high population of military related students. Box Elder is a growing community and their schools reflect that growth through increased student population as well as innovative education curriculums. Familiar with the difficulties associated with military relocation, the staff at Douglas School District are ready to help you in any way they can.
Private Education
Rapid City Catholic
Rapid City Catholic School System offers High School, Middle School, and Elementary School in a culture of spiritual growth and academic achievement.
St Paul's Luthern
St. Paul’s Lutheran School offers Christian-based education for preschool – 8th grade. They are an accredited, Lutheran school located on the southeast side of Rapid City.
Zion Lutheran
Zion Lutheran School offers education for preschool – 5th grade, grounded is religious principles and community service. They are located at the top of the hill in Rapid City.
Calvary Christian
Calvary Christian School offers education for preschool through 5th grade with quality academic education while training the student in the knowledge of God and the Christian way of life.
Rapid City Christian
Rapid City Christian School is an independent, coeducational day school enrolling qualified students in grades 6 – 12. Strong liberal arts preparation imbued with an interdenominational, evangelical worldview.
Homeschool Connection
Many military families prefer to homeschool for various reasons. There are many great resources in the area to help with homeschool curriculum, connections, and navigating the legal requirements for homeschool education.
Higher Education
South Dakota Universities offer reduced tuition for military and veteran students. You can inquire with each institution or find information at the South Dakota Board or Regents website: Reduced-Tuition-active-svc-members (sdbor.edu)