Welcome to Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS)—a place where students are known, supported, and inspired to thrive. Whether you're new to the area or looking for the right educational fit for your child, we’re excited to welcome your family into our community.

RCAS serves more than 12,000 students across 22 schools, supported by a dedicated team of over 1,600 educators and staff members who bring passion, experience, and heart to their work every day. We are proud to be one of the largest school districts in South Dakota—yet we remain deeply connected to each individual student and family we serve.

Our district is located in Rapid City, at the gateway to the beautiful Black Hills, where natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a strong sense of community create a one-of-a-kind place to live and learn. Our students grow up surrounded by rich history, vibrant culture, and opportunities to explore the world around them both inside and outside the classroom.

At RCAS, your child won’t just attend school—they’ll be equipped for life. From preschool through high school graduation, we’re focused on helping each student build a strong academic foundation, explore their interests, and discover their full potential.

We are guided by five Strategic Planning Pillars that shape the RCAS experience:

• Students: Rapid City Area Schools will welcome and acknowledge all students for their value as individuals in a safe environment where they are educated and prepared with skills to be successful.

• Staff: RCAS will attract, recruit, and retain a diverse high-quality staff who are respected and empowered to educate our students.

• Community: RCAS will build collaborative relationships within the community to support and improve the students’ educational experience.

• Facilities: RCAS will ensure safe, modern, effective learning environments by building, improving, and maintaining facilities to meet changing educational needs.

• Communication: RCAS will communicate clearly and consistently with all staff, families, students, and the community.

Whether your child is interested in the arts, STEM, career and technical education, athletics, or advanced academics, they'll find a home—and a future—at RCAS.

Explore. Enroll. Belong. Welcome to RCAS—where education meets opportunity in the heart of the Black Hills.