Top Rankings
Waubay School District 18-3 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 10%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there is 1 public elementary school serving 77 students in Waubay School District 18-3. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 10/10, which is in the top 10% of public elementary schools in South Dakota.
Public Elementary School in Waubay School District 18-3 have an average math proficiency score of 65% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
3 Schools
495 Schools
# Students
172 Students
100,764 Students
# Teachers
20 Teachers
7,485 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Waubay School District 18-3, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#75 out of 148 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
42%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)<50%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.58
0.55
% American Indian
32%
17%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
n/a
8%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
56%
64%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $21,384 is higher than the state median of $13,146. The school district revenue/student has grown by 11% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,093 is higher than the state median of $12,647. The school district spending/student has grown by 11% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$3 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$21,384
$13,146
Spending / Student
$17,093
$12,647
Best Waubay School District 18-3 Public Elementary Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waubay Elementary - 02
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
202 W School Rd
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Gr: PK-6 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Recent Articles
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
