Serving 341 students in grades 6-8, Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 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 47% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 341 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 47% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 68% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03's student population of 341 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has grown by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
341 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 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 Middle School - 03 is 0.38, 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
#163 out of 619 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
14%
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
2%
3%
White
78%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
10%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dakota Valley Middle School - 03's ranking?
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 is ranked #163 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?
47% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Dakota Valley Middle School - 03?
341 students attend Dakota Valley Middle School - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dakota Valley Middle School - 03?
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 offer ?
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 part of?
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 is part of Dakota Valley School District 61-8.
School Reviews
Review Dakota Valley Middle School - 03. 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
10 Advantages of ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.
