Serving 283 students in grades 5-8, Wagner Middle School - 03 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 283 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Wagner Middle School's attendance zone encompasses the entire district of Wagner, SD, covering approximately 343.6 square miles. The area is typically a 20-30 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 11.7 miles from the school to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 18.3 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wagner Middle School - 03's student population of 283 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
283 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence in Education
School Rankings
Wagner Middle School - 03 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wagner Middle School - 03 is 0.55, which is more 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
#535 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
61%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
27%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)36%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wagner Middle School - 03's ranking?
Wagner Middle School - 03 is ranked #535 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Wagner Middle School - 03?
283 students attend Wagner Middle School - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Wagner Middle School - 03 students are American Indian, 27% of students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wagner Middle School - 03?
Wagner Middle School - 03 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Wagner Middle School - 03 offer ?
Wagner Middle School - 03 offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wagner Middle School - 03 part of?
Wagner Middle School - 03 is part of Wagner Community School District 11-4.
School Reviews
Review Wagner Middle School - 03. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
