Serving 91 students in grades 9-12, Northwestern High School - 01 ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-59% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥80% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 91 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 4%
- Graduation Rate: ≥80% (Top 50% in SD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 1%)
- Attendance Zone: Northwestern High School's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Mellette, SD, encompassing approximately 669.6 square miles. Families may typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 16.1 miles from the school to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 27.1 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwestern High School - 01 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Northwestern High School - 01's student population of 91 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 8 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
91 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Northwestern High School - 01 ranks within the top 20% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwestern High School - 01 is 0.08, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#97 out of 619 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
42%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
51%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
2%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
96%
66%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
6%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥80%
84%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.6%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
10%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwestern High School - 01's ranking?
Northwestern High School - 01 is ranked #97 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while ≥80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwestern High School - 01?
The graduation rate of Northwestern High School - 01 is 80%, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Northwestern High School - 01?
91 students attend Northwestern High School - 01.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Northwestern High School - 01 students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwestern High School - 01?
Northwestern High School - 01 has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Northwestern High School - 01 offer ?
Northwestern High School - 01 offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northwestern High School - 01 part of?
Northwestern High School - 01 is part of Northwestern Area School District 56-7.
School Reviews
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