For the 2025 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 Vermillion Middle School - 02, Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 and Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02. 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 43% (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 7/10, 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)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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
Grades: 6-8
| 332 students
Rank: #22.
Irene - Wakonda High School - 01
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
130 E State St
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Grades: 9-12
| 78 students
Rank: #33.
Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
202 Nebraska St
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Grades: PK-6
| 161 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: 9-12
| 440 students
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
Grades: 7-8
| 51 students
Rank: n/an/a
701 W Partmouth St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7000
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7000
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Clay County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
300 High St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Grades: PK-1
| 277 students
Po Box 5
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Grades: 7-8
| 28 students
224 S University
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Grades: 2-5
| 383 students
Po Box 268
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Grades: 7-8
| 27 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Clay County, SD?
The top ranked public schools in Clay County, SD include Vermillion Middle School - 02, Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 and Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02.
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).
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