Waubay School District 18-3

202 W School Rd
Waubay, SD 57273
(District boundaries shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%

Top Rankings

Waubay School District 18-3 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:

Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 10%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 172 students in Waubay School District 18-3. This district's average testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
Public Schools in Waubay School District 18-3 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).

Overview

This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
3 Schools
734 Schools
# Students
172 Students
146,041 Students
# Teachers
20 Teachers
10,645 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Waubay School District 18-3, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School District
State Average (SD)
#75 out of 148 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
65%
42%
35-39%
51%
40-49%
42%
(21-22)
<50%
82%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.58
0.53
% American Indian
32%
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
n/a
8%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
56%
67%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $21,384 is higher than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has grown by 11% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,093 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has grown by 11% over four school years.
This School District
This State (SD)
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$3 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$21,384
$13,121
Spending / Student
$17,093
$12,623

Best Waubay School District 18-3 Public Schools (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waubay Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
202 W School Rd
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Gr: PK-6 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #22.
Waubay High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
202 W School Rd
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Gr: 9-12 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Waubay Middle School - 03
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
202 W School Rd
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Gr: 7-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 33%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools belong to Waubay School District 18-3?
Waubay School District 18-3 manages 3 public schools serving 172 students.
What is the rank of Waubay School District 18-3?
Waubay School District 18-3 is ranked #94 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of South Dakota school districts for: Highest math proficiency (Top 10%), Most diverse schools (Top 1%) and Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Waubay School District 18-3?
56% of Waubay School District 18-3 students are White, 32% of students are American Indian, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Waubay School District 18-3?
Waubay School District 18-3 has a student/teacher ratio of 9:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Waubay School District 18-3's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $17,093 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has grown by 11% over four school years.

Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • District size: 3 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 172 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : <50% (Top 50% in SD)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 65% (Top 10%)
  • : 35-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education

Quick Links