Serving 88 students in grades 6-8, White River Middle School - 04 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in South Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 88 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
White River Middle School - 04 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
White River Middle School - 04's student population of 88 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
88 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
School Rankings
White River Middle School - 04 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 636 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of White River Middle School - 04 is 0.26, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#568 out of 636 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
42%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
86%
14%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
8%
Black
1%
3%
White
7%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
31%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
11%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is White River Middle School - 04's ranking?
White River Middle School - 04 is ranked #568 out of 636 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend White River Middle School - 04?
88 students attend White River Middle School - 04.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of White River Middle School - 04 students are American Indian, 7% of students are White, 5% 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 Middle School - 04?
White River Middle School - 04 has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does White River Middle School - 04 offer ?
White River Middle School - 04 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is White River Middle School - 04 part of?
White River Middle School - 04 is part of White River School District 47-1.
School Reviews
Review White River Middle School - 04. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.