Serving 459 students in grades 9-12, Dakota Valley High School - 01 ranks in the top 30% 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 45-49% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than 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 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 459 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in SD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dakota Valley High School - 01 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Dakota Valley High School - 01's student population of 459 students has grown by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
459 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Year Founded
1994
School Calendar
School Mascot
Panther
School Rankings
Dakota Valley High School - 01 ranks within the top 30% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dakota Valley High School - 01 is 0.37, 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
#138 out of 619 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
American Indian
2%
14%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
2%
3%
White
79%
67%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
82%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
11%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dakota Valley High School - 01's ranking?
Dakota Valley High School - 01 is ranked #138 out of 619 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Dakota Valley High School - 01?
The graduation rate of Dakota Valley High School - 01 is 95%, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 82%.
How many students attend Dakota Valley High School - 01?
459 students attend Dakota Valley High School - 01.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Dakota Valley High School - 01 students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dakota Valley High School - 01?
Dakota Valley High School - 01 has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Dakota Valley High School - 01 offer ?
Dakota Valley High School - 01 offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dakota Valley High School - 01 part of?
Dakota Valley High School - 01 is part of Dakota Valley School District 61-8.
School Reviews
1 7/29/2020
My child says he hates it here, which means he must be learning!!!
1 7/24/2020
I hate this school. Lots of teacher gossip and it's very stressful. Pays okay though.
5 2/25/2020
This school is so fun. Even though people are mean. So when people are mean I just hiss at them, and they scream. I don't know why they scream, but it's funny. And I know more about Cats than you, Billy Lacroix. So Removed it, buddy.
5 8/26/2019
The school is good, but everyone doesn't have smart like me. I have a strong connection with cats and I feel as if I am the only other one who can. Meow.
Review Dakota Valley High School - 01. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.