For the 2026 school year, there is 1 public preschool serving 161 students in Clay County, SD.
The top-ranked public preschool in Clay County, SD is 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 preschool have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the South Dakota public pre school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 45% statewide average). Pre schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschool average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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%
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 preschools in Clay County, SD?
The top-ranked public preschools in Clay County, SD include Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02.
How many public preschools are located in Clay County?
1 public preschools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public preschools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public preschools average of 34% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
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.
