For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 416 students in Mellette County, SD.
The top-ranked public schools in Mellette County, SD are Norris Elementary - 08, White River High School - 01 and White River Middle School - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mellette County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Mellette County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Mellette County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Norris Elementary - 08
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
331 School Loop
White River, SD 57579
(605) 462-6455
White River, SD 57579
(605) 462-6455
Gr: K-5 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #22.
White River High School - 01
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
501 E 3rd St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3136
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3136
Gr: 9-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #33.
White River Middle School - 04
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 E 3rd St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3135
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3135
Gr: 6-8 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #44.
White River Elementary - 02
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 E 3rd St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
Gr: PK-5 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Mellette County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
S 2nd And Brock St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
Gr: K-5 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
White River Alternative High School - 09 (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
501 East 3rd St
Norris, SD 57560
(605) 259-3135
Norris, SD 57560
(605) 259-3135
Gr: 9-12
114 S. Dakota St.
Wood, SD 57585
(605) 452-3251
Wood, SD 57585
(605) 452-3251
Gr: PK-8 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Mellette County, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Mellette County, SD include Norris Elementary - 08, White River High School - 01 and White River Middle School - 04.
How many public schools are located in Mellette County?
4 public schools are located in Mellette County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mellette County?
Mellette County public schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Public School Rankings: Are They Accurate?
Explore how accurate public school rankings really are, their limitations, and how parents can interpret them in 2026.
Public School Schedule Options Explained for Families
Learn how public school schedule options like year-round calendars, block scheduling, and later start times affect students and families in 2026.
How to Request Special Education Services at School Registration
A step-by-step guide for families on how to request special education services at school registration, including IEPs, 504 plans, timelines, and tips.