Top Rankings
White River School District 47-1 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 416 students in White River School District 47-1. This district's average testing ranking is 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
Public Schools in White River School District 47-1 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).
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).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
4 Schools
734 Schools
# Students
416 Students
146,041 Students
# Teachers
41 Teachers
10,645 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
10:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
White River School District 47-1, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 70% has decreased from 80% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#142 out of 148 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
42%
Graduation Rate
70%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.36
0.53
% American Indian
79%
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
1%
8%
% Black
1%
3%
% White
11%
67%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $17,608 is higher than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $15,981 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$7 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$7 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$17,608
$13,121
Spending / Student
$15,981
$12,623
Best White River School District 47-1 Public Schools (2025)
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to White River School District 47-1?
White River School District 47-1 manages 4 public schools serving 416 students.
What is the rank of White River School District 47-1?
White River School District 47-1 is ranked #140 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of South Dakota school districts for: Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in White River School District 47-1?
79% of White River School District 47-1 students are American Indian, 11% of students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of White River School District 47-1?
White River School District 47-1 has a student/teacher ratio of 10:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is White River School District 47-1's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $15,981 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
