Students in the Belle Fourche School District take the annual Dakota STEP test to ensure that the district is making adequate yearly progress (AYP) in reading and math. According the State of South Dakota's report card, Belle Fourche students achieved AYP in all categories in all grades tested in elementary, middle and high schools in the spring of 2011. Belle Fourche's high school graduation rate was 91.5 percent in 2011, lower than the 97.0 percent rate posted in 2010 but above the statewide average of 83.3 percent.

During the 2010-2011 academic year, the Belle Fourche School District's fall enrollment was 1,348 in grades K-12. With a 0.8 percent dropout rate, the district graduated 90 students. Fifty-four students took the ACT exam. The average composite score was 20.52. To compare Belle Fourche School District ACT scores with other Black Hills districts, click here.To view a statistical profile of funding, student and staff data, see the South Dakota Department of Education's 2010-2011 Profile of Belle Fourche School District.