Serving 38 students in grades 9-12, Wakpala High School - 01 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 ≤20% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 38 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Graduation Rate: ≥50% (Btm 50% in SD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Wakpala High School's attendance zone covers the entire district in Wakpala, SD, encompassing approximately 200.5 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 8.1 miles to the zone's edge and the furthest point being 12.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wakpala High School - 01's student population of 38 students has declined by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
38 students
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
Year Founded
2002
School Calendar
School Rankings
Wakpala High School - 01 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 Wakpala High School - 01 is 0.10, 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
#476 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
12:1
American Indian
95%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
n/a
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
n/a
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥50%
82%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)100%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
25%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wakpala High School - 01's ranking?
Wakpala High School - 01 is ranked #476 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?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wakpala High School - 01?
The graduation rate of Wakpala High School - 01 is 50%, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 82%.
How many students attend Wakpala High School - 01?
38 students attend Wakpala High School - 01.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Wakpala High School - 01 students are American Indian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wakpala High School - 01?
Wakpala High School - 01 has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Wakpala High School - 01 offer ?
Wakpala High School - 01 offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Wakpala High School - 01 part of?
Wakpala High School - 01 is part of Smee School District 15-3.
School Reviews
Review Wakpala High School - 01. 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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
