Black Hills Children's Home provides a home, school, and therapy for children, primarily ages 4-13, with emotional and behavioral problems.
The majority of children have a history of abuse and neglect.
Foster care and adoption services are provided for children who are unable to return to their birth families.
Black Hills Children's Home also provides emergency shelter services and counseling for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.
Specializes in the education and treatment of children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Provides a highly structured setting with a 1:6 teacher to student ratio.
Masters level therapy staff provide individual, group and family therapy.
Initial assessment includes psychiatric evaluation, psychological evaluation, educational testing, family/social assessment, abuse assessment, therapeutic activities assessment, and speech/language screening.
Quick Facts (2025)
- Top Ranked SD School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 42 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Black Hills Children's Home ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for:
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1893
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
5
Student Body
Total Students
42 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
72%
State avg.: 21%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- Black Hills Children's Home provides a home, school, and therapy for children, primarily ages 4-13, with emotional and behavioral problems. The majority of children have a history of abuse and neglect. Foster care and adoption services are provided for children who are unable to return to their birth families. Black Hills Children's Home also provides emergency shelter services and counseling for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Specializes in the education and treatment of children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Provides a highly structured setting with a 1:6 teacher to student ratio. Masters level therapy staff provide individual, group and family therapy. Initial assessment includes psychiatric evaluation, psychological evaluation, educational testing, family/social assessment, abuse assessment, therapeutic activities assessment, and speech/language screening.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black Hills Children's Home's ranking?
Black Hills Children's Home ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for: Highest percentage of students of color and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Black Hills Children's Home?
The application deadline for Black Hills Children's Home is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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