For the 2026 school year, there are 2 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)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Vermillion Middle School - 02
(Math: 47% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
422 Princeton St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7025
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7025
Gr: 6-8 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
202 Nebraska St
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: PK-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Clay County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
300 High St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Gr: PK-1 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Po Box 5
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 9-12 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Po Box 5
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Gr: 7-8 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
224 S University
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Gr: 2-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Po Box 268
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: 9-12 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Po Box 268
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Gr: 7-8 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
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).
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