For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 298 students in Mellette County, SD.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Mellette County, SD are Norris Elementary - 08, White River Middle School - 04 and White River Elementary - 02. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mellette County, SD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the South Dakota public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Mellette County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public elementary school average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Mellette County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Norris Elementary - 08
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
331 School Loop
White River, SD 57579
(605) 462-6455
White River, SD 57579
(605) 462-6455
Grades: K-5
| 46 students
Rank: #22.
White River Middle School - 04
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 E 3rd St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3135
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3135
Grades: 6-8
| 88 students
Rank: #33.
White River Elementary - 02
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 E 3rd St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
Grades: PK-5
| 164 students
Mellette County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
S 2nd And Brock St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
Grades: K-5
| 3 students
White River Alternative High School - 09 (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
501 East 3rd St
Norris, SD 57560
(605) 259-3135
Norris, SD 57560
(605) 259-3135
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
114 S. Dakota St.
Wood, SD 57585
(605) 452-3251
Wood, SD 57585
(605) 452-3251
Grades: PK-8
| 24 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Mellette County, SD?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Mellette County, SD include Norris Elementary - 08, White River Middle School - 04 and White River Elementary - 02.
How many public elementary schools are located in Mellette County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Mellette County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mellette County?
Mellette County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public elementary schools average of 36% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.