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 (26-27)
- 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
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
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%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
42%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
51%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
3%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
2%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
7%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
White
82%
66%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.8%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
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 a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
