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 (2026-27)
- 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's attendance zone covers the entire district of Watertown, SD, encompassing approximately 326.2 square miles. Families typically have a 20-30 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 11.4 miles to the nearest zone edge and a maximum distance of 19.4 miles to the furthest edge.
- 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
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%
White
82%
66%
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
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
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.
