Best Clay County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 493 students in Clay County, SD.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, SD are Vermillion Middle School - 02 and 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Clay County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Vermillion Middle School - 02
(Math: 47% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
422 Princeton St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7025
Gr: 6-8 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
202 Nebraska St
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: PK-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: n/an/a
701 W Dartmouth St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7000
Gr: PK-5 | 625 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 27%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, SD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, SD include Vermillion Middle School - 02 and Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02.
How many public elementary schools are located in Clay County?
2 public elementary schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).

Recent Articles

What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.

Quick Links