Top Rankings
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 359 students in Northwestern Area School District 56-7. This district's average testing ranking is 8/10, which is in the top 30% of public schools in South Dakota.
Public Schools in Northwestern Area School District 56-7 have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
6 Schools
734 Schools
# Students
359 Students
146,041 Students
# Teachers
25 Teachers
10,645 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Northwestern Area School District 56-7, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50-59% has increased from 50% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#40 out of 148 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
42%
Graduation Rate
50-59%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.13
0.53
% American Indian
1%
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
2%
8%
% Black
1%
3%
% White
93%
67%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $11,515 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has declined by 10% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $10,000 is less than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has declined by 10% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$11,515
$13,121
Spending / Student
$10,000
$12,623
Best Northwestern Area School District 56-7 Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Northwestern High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Grades: 9-12
| 88 students
Rank: #22.
Northwestern Middle School - 02
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Grades: 6-8
| 59 students
Rank: #33.
Isucceed - 92
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Grades: 9-12
| 64 students
Rank: #44.
Northwestern Elementary - 04
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Grades: PK-5
| 124 students
Rank: n/an/a
14625 401st Ave
Stratford, SD 57474
(605) 396-7497
Stratford, SD 57474
(605) 396-7497
Grades: K-8
| 17 students
Rank: n/an/a
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Grades: 6-8
| 7 students
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Northwestern Area School District 56-7?
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 manages 6 public schools serving 359 students.
What is the rank of Northwestern Area School District 56-7?
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 is ranked #43 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (top 30%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2021-2022 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of South Dakota school districts for: Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
What is the racial composition of students in Northwestern Area School District 56-7?
93% of Northwestern Area School District 56-7 students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Northwestern Area School District 56-7?
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 has a student/teacher ratio of 14:1, which is equal to the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Northwestern Area School District 56-7's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $10,000 is less than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has declined by 10% over four school years.
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
