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 are 3 public schools serving 172 students in Waubay School District 18-3. This district's average testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools in Waubay School District 18-3 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
3 Schools
729 Schools
# Students
172 Students
145,763 Students
# Teachers
20 Teachers
10,615 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
0.53
% American Indian
32%
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
n/a
8%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
56%
67%
% 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 ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø 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%
Rank: #22.
Waubay High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
202 W School Rd
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Gr: 9-12 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Waubay Middle School - 03
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
202 W School Rd
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Waubay, SD 57273
(605) 947-4529
Gr: 7-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Waubay School District 18-3?
Waubay School District 18-3 manages 3 public schools serving 172 students.
What is the rank of Waubay School District 18-3?
Waubay School District 18-3 is ranked #93 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of South Dakota school districts for: Highest math proficiency (Top 10%), Most diverse schools (Top 1%) and Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Waubay School District 18-3?
56% of Waubay School District 18-3 students are White, 32% of students are American Indian, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Waubay School District 18-3?
Waubay School District 18-3 has a student/teacher ratio of 9:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Waubay School District 18-3's spending/student ratio?
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.
Recent Articles

Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.

Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.

NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.