For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 383 students in Clay County, SD.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Clay County, SD are Vermillion Middle School - 02 and Irene - Wakonda Jr. High - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, SD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of South Dakota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Middle Schools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: 6-8 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
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 middle schools in Clay County, SD?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Clay County, SD include Vermillion Middle School - 02 and Irene - Wakonda Jr. High - 04.
How many public middle schools are located in Clay County?
2 public middle schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public middle schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public middle schools average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.