For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 68 students in Aurora County, SD.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Aurora County, SD are White Lake Middle School - 03, Plankinton Jr. High - 03 and Aurora Plains Academy Middle School - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Aurora County, SD public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the South Dakota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Aurora County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public middle school average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Middle Schools in Aurora County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
White Lake Middle School - 03
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
410 E 4th St
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
White Lake, SD 57383
(605) 249-2251
Gr: 6-8 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Plankinton Jr. High - 03
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
404 E Davenport St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-7743
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-7743
Gr: 7-8 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #33.
Aurora Plains Academy Middle School - 04
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1400 E 10th St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-5437
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-5437
Gr: 4-8 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: n/an/a
Dakota Reach Middle School - 07
Special Education School
1400 E 10th St
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-5437
Plankinton, SD 57368
(605) 942-5437
Gr: 5-8 | 3 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Aurora County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
506 E Main
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: K-6 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
506 E Main
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: 9-12 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
506 E Main
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: 7-8 | 16 students
506 E Main
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Stickney, SD 57375
(605) 732-4221
Gr: PK | 7 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Aurora County, SD?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Aurora County, SD include White Lake Middle School - 03, Plankinton Jr. High - 03 and Aurora Plains Academy Middle School - 04.
How many public middle schools are located in Aurora County?
4 public middle schools are located in Aurora County.
What is the racial composition of students in Aurora County?
Aurora County public middle schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public middle schools average of 42% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.