For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 518 students in Clay County, SD.
The top ranked public high schools in Clay County, SD are Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 and Vermillion High School - 01. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, SD public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 63% statewide average). High schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public high schools.
Clay County, SD public high school have a Graduation Rate of 78%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Irene - Wakonda High School - 01, with ≥80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Best Public High Schools in Clay County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Irene - Wakonda High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
130 E State St
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Grades: 9-12
| 78 students
Rank: #22.
Vermillion High School - 01
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1001 E Main St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7035
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7035
Grades: 9-12
| 440 students
Clay County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
300 High St
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7010
Grades: PK-1
| 277 students
Po Box 5
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Irene, SD 57037
(605) 263-3313
Grades: 7-8
| 28 students
224 S University
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 677-7015
Grades: 2-5
| 383 students
Po Box 268
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Wakonda, SD 57073
(605) 267-2644
Grades: 7-8
| 27 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Clay County, SD?
The top ranked public high schools in Clay County, SD include Irene - Wakonda High School - 01 and Vermillion High School - 01.
How many public high schools are located in Clay County?
2 public high schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public high schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public high schools average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.