For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 518 students in Clay County, SD.
The top ranked public high schools in Clay County, SD are Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 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 high schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 63% statewide average). High schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public high schools.
Clay County, SD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is more than the South Dakota average of 81%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Vermillion High School - 01, with 85-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Best Public High Schools in Clay County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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
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 high schools in Clay County, SD?
The top ranked public high schools in Clay County, SD include Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 and Vermillion High School - 01.
How many public high schools are located in Clay County?
2 public high schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public high schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high schools average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.
The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.