Wakpala is an unincorporated community in Corson County, South Dakota, United States, on the west side of the Missouri River, north-northwest of Mobridge.
Serving 95 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Wakpala Elementary - 02 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 ≤10% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-49% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 95 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wakpala Elementary - 02 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Wakpala Elementary - 02's student population of 95 students has grown by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
95 students
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Wakpala Elementary - 02 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 Wakpala Elementary - 02 is 0.06, 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
#548 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
12:1
American Indian
97%
14%
White
2%
66%
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
11%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wakpala Elementary - 02's ranking?
Wakpala Elementary - 02 is ranked #548 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?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 40-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Wakpala Elementary - 02?
95 students attend Wakpala Elementary - 02.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Wakpala Elementary - 02 students are American Indian, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wakpala Elementary - 02?
Wakpala Elementary - 02 has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Wakpala Elementary - 02 offer ?
Wakpala Elementary - 02 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wakpala Elementary - 02 part of?
Wakpala Elementary - 02 is part of Smee School District 15-3.
School Reviews
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