Best Clay County Public High Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 518 students in Clay County, SD.
The top-ranked public high schools in Clay County, SD are Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 and Vermillion High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, SD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 63% statewide average). High schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public high schools.
Clay County, SD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 78%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Irene - Wakonda High School - 01, with ≥80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 36% (majority American Indian).

Best Public High Schools in Clay County (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Irene - Wakonda High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
130 E State St
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 9-12 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Vermillion High School - 01
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1001 E Main St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7035
Gr: 9-12 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Clay County, SD

Clay County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
300 High St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Gr: PK-1 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Po Box 5
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 9-12 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Po Box 5
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 7-8 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
224 S University
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Gr: 2-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Po Box 268
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: 9-12 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Po Box 268
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: 7-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Clay County, SD?
The top-ranked public high schools in Clay County, SD include Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 and Vermillion High School - 01.
How many public high schools are located in Clay County?
2 public high schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public high schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).

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