Serving 54 students in grades 6-8, Willow Lake Middle School - 03 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 30-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-59% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 2% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 54 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 2%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Willow Lake Middle School's attendance zone encompasses the entire district, covering approximately 298.5 square miles in Willow Lake, SD. The typical drive to the school takes about 15-20 minutes, with an average distance of 9.4 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 18.7 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Willow Lake Middle School - 03's student population of 54 students has grown by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
54 students
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 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 Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is 0.04, 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
#362 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
9%
Black
n/a
3%
White
98%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Willow Lake Middle School - 03's ranking?
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is ranked #362 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?
30-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 50-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Willow Lake Middle School - 03?
54 students attend Willow Lake Middle School - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Willow Lake Middle School - 03 students are White, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Willow Lake Middle School - 03?
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Willow Lake Middle School - 03 offer ?
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Willow Lake Middle School - 03 part of?
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is part of Willow Lake School District 12-3.
School Reviews
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