Wakpala is an unincorporated community in Corson County, South Dakota, United States, on the west side of the Missouri River, north-northwest of Mobridge.
Serving 41 students in grades 6-8, Wakpala Middle School - 04 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 ≤10% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 41 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Wakpala MS serves the entire Wakpala, SD district, encompassing an area of approximately 200.5 square miles, where most families can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school. The zone's furthest edge is about 14.2 miles away from the school, with an average distance of 8.4 miles to the zone's boundary.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wakpala Middle School - 04's student population of 41 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 4 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
41 students
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Wakpala Middle School - 04 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 Middle School - 04 is 0.13, 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
#572 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
12:1
American Indian
93%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
3%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
34%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wakpala Middle School - 04's ranking?
Wakpala Middle School - 04 is ranked #572 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?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 30-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Wakpala Middle School - 04?
41 students attend Wakpala Middle School - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Wakpala Middle School - 04 students are American Indian, 3% of students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wakpala Middle School - 04?
Wakpala Middle School - 04 has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Wakpala Middle School - 04 offer ?
Wakpala Middle School - 04 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wakpala Middle School - 04 part of?
Wakpala Middle School - 04 is part of Smee School District 15-3.
School Reviews
Review Wakpala Middle School - 04. 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.
