Serving 54 students in grades 6-8, Willow Lake Middle School - 03 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 30-39% (which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-59% (which is approximately equal to the South Dakota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the South Dakota state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 2% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 54 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 2%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in SD
- Math Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Willow Lake Middle School - 03's student population of 54 students has grown by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 3 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
54 students
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 619 schools in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is 0.04, 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
#362 out of 619 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
Hispanic
2%
9%
White
98%
66%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13%
22.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Willow Lake Middle School - 03's ranking?
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is ranked #362 out of 619 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?
30-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% SD state average), while 50-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% SD state average).
How many students attend Willow Lake Middle School - 03?
54 students attend Willow Lake Middle School - 03.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Willow Lake Middle School - 03 students are White, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Willow Lake Middle School - 03?
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 12:1.
What grades does Willow Lake Middle School - 03 offer ?
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Willow Lake Middle School - 03 part of?
Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is part of Willow Lake School District 12-3.
School Reviews
Review Willow Lake Middle School - 03. 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
