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%)
- 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
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