For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,062 students in Clay County, SD (there are , serving 125 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Clay County, SD are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Clay County, SD are Irene - Wakonda High School - 01, Vermillion Middle School - 02 and Vermillion High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Clay County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Irene - Wakonda High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
130 E State St
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 9-12 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Vermillion Middle School - 02
(Math: 47% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
422 Princeton St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7025
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7025
Gr: 6-8 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
Vermillion High School - 01
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1001 E Main St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7035
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7035
Gr: 9-12 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
202 Nebraska St
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: PK-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Irene - Wakonda Jr. High - 04
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
130 E State St
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 7-8 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Clay County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
300 High St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Gr: PK-1 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Po Box 5
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 9-12 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Po Box 5
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 7-8 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
224 S University
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Gr: 2-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Po Box 268
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: 9-12 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Po Box 268
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: 7-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Clay County, SD?
The top ranked public schools in Clay County, SD include Irene - Wakonda High School - 01, Vermillion Middle School - 02 and Vermillion High School - 01.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
6 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the SD state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
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: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public 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.