Our Schools
The Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) serves 12,400 students and employs approximately 1,600 people. Nearly half of our RCAS teachers have advanced degrees and the average teacher in the RCAS has 12.1 years of experience. Our District is rich in diversity. Twenty-one percent of RCAS students are Native American.
The RCAS is the state’s second-largest district and is home to 15 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 2 comprehensive high schools, and one alternative high school. The District owns nearly 700 acres of land in and around Rapid City and maintains 30 buildings with a collective of two million square feet.
RCAS is committed to building tomorrow’s community through inspiration, innovation, and excellence! The District recently launched Strategic Plan 2022. The aggressive five-year plan focuses on five key areas: Reading proficiently by 3rd grade; 21st Century Learning; College, Career & Life Readiness; Teaching & Leading; and School & Community Partnerships.
Our Community
Nestled on the eastern foothills of the Black Hills, Rapid City shines as the region’s hub. Thanks to its diversity, Rapid City’s economy remains strong. Our skilled and growing medical community serves an entire region. Our burgeoning retail sector draws shoppers from four states. Our call centers serve customers nationwide. Nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base remains a strong and stable force in the nation’s defense. National Geographic recently named Rapid City one of the “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” Rapid City is also just minutes from Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, The Badlands, Deadwood, and more!