Education – Primary/Secondary

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.

EAFB School Liaison

Please also contact the EAFB School Liaison office for help connecting with local schools and special programming.
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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. Please check out their website at
RCAS

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.
Douglas

Private Education

Rapid City area also offers great opportunities for private education.

Rapid City Catholic School

Rapid City Catholic School System offers High School, Middle School, and Elementary School in a culture of spiritual growth and academic achievement. More information at
RCCS

St. Paul’s Lutheran School

St. Paul’s Lutheran School offers Christian-based education for preschool through 8th grade.
St. Pauls

Zion Lutheran School

Zion Lutheran School offers education for preschool through 5th grade that is grounded is religious principles and community service.

Calvary Christian School

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. http://www.calvarychristianschoolrapidcity.com/

Rapid City Christian School

Rapid City Christian School is an independent, coeducational day school enrolling qualified students in grades six through twelve to provide truly Christian education–strong liberal arts preparation imbued with an interdenominational, evangelical worldview.
RC Christian

Home School Resources

Home Schooling in a popular option for military families. The Black Hills Knowledge Network has compiled a great resource for information and groups to connect and inform families who home school.
Home Schooling

Post High School Education

South Dakota is home to some of the top-rated universities in the nation. South Dakota universities proudly offer in-state tuition rates to active duty military members, spouses and their children.

• South Dakota School of Mines
• Black Hills State University – Rapid City
• South Dakota State University
• University of South Dakota
• Oglala Lakota College
• National American University
• Western Dakota Tech

Summer Programs for Youth

Club for Boys

The Club is much more than a place for recreation. Emphasis is placed on everyday guidance. Every boy is presented an equal opportunity and is encouraged and directed by trained, professional staff members to develop to his fullest capacity. Programs are designed to help boys of all ages increase their knowledge and skills year-round.

Youth & Family Services

The vision of Youth & Family Services is that children in western South Dakota will develop healthy bodies, inquiring minds, wholesome relationships, compassionate hearts, creative spirits, the conviction to stand up for themselves and others, and the courage to build a better society.

YMCA

The YMCA has always stood for something more than simply fitness. Discover the rich history of the YMCA of Rapid City; find out about their humble beginnings and what it took to grow into what the YMCA is today!

Dahl Arts Center

The Dahl houses a flexible use event center, five visual arts galleries, an interactive children’s gallery, the Cyclorama Mural of American History, gift shop, classrooms for artists of all ages and abilities and Emerging Artist performing space. This multi-purpose community arts center is used by artists and arts organizations for arts, private and corporate gatherings.

Rapid City Swim Center

Rapid City Aquatics is composed of 4 outdoor pools and 1 indoor swim center. The indoor swim center is open year round and offers fitness options along with fun. You can participate in group fitness classes, American Red Cross certification trainings, Kids Night Out activites, or just show up for open swim!

Ellsworth AFB Youth Center

We offer daily activities to support career development, the arts, sports and education as well as life skills. We have programs for teens and school age children. We also have many youth sports programs. We are affiliated with ‘The Boys and Girls Clubs’, United Way and 4H programs.

Outdoor Campus – West

The purpose of The Outdoor Campus-West in Rapid City is to provide hands-on experiences in hunting, fishing and other outdoor skills. Free educational classes for youth, adults and families are held throughout the year. Visitors can explore indoor exhibits showcasing a variety of western South Dakota habitats and wildlife, along with a 4,600 gallon freshwater aquarium. The Campus also boasts over 1.5 miles of nature trails for your everyday use.

Just Jymnastics

Just exists to serve children and families by providing high-quality Sports Instruction, Educational and Entertainment opportunities in a positive, caring environment!