Serving 297 students in grades 6-8, West Central Middle School - 04 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 46% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is lower 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 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 297 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Central Middle School's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Hartford, SD, encompassing approximately 165.3 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being 8.3 miles and the furthest edge located 12.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Central Middle School - 04's student population of 297 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
297 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Rankings
West Central 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 West Central Middle School - 04 is 0.19, 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
#376 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
3%
9%
Black
1%
3%
White
90%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.4%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
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 West Central Middle School - 04's ranking?
West Central Middle School - 04 is ranked #376 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?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend West Central Middle School - 04?
297 students attend West Central Middle School - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of West Central Middle School - 04 students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Central Middle School - 04?
West Central Middle School - 04 has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does West Central Middle School - 04 offer ?
West Central Middle School - 04 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Central Middle School - 04 part of?
West Central Middle School - 04 is part of West Central School District 49-7.
School Reviews
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