Serving 575 students in grades 7-8, Watertown Middle School - 02 ranks in the top 30% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 64% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 575 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 50% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 42% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Watertown Middle School serves the entire district of Watertown, SD, covering an area of approximately 326.2 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest point being about 19.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Watertown Middle School - 02's student population of 575 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
575 students
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Watertown Middle School - 02 ranks within the top 30% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Watertown Middle School - 02 is 0.32, 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
#126 out of 619 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
7%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
82%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.8%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Watertown Middle School - 02's ranking?
Watertown Middle School - 02 is ranked #126 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Watertown Middle School - 02?
575 students attend Watertown Middle School - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Watertown Middle School - 02 students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Watertown Middle School - 02?
Watertown Middle School - 02 has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Watertown Middle School - 02 offer ?
Watertown Middle School - 02 offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Watertown Middle School - 02 part of?
Watertown Middle School - 02 is part of Watertown School District 14-4.
School Reviews
Review Watertown Middle School - 02. 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
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.
