For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 338 students in Willow Lake School District 12-3. This district's average testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in South Dakota.
Public Schools in Willow Lake School District 12-3 have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
6 Schools
734 Schools
# Students
338 Students
146,041 Students
# Teachers
27 Teachers
10,645 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Willow Lake School District 12-3, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 50% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#118 out of 148 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
42%
Graduation Rate
≥80%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.09
0.53
% American Indian
1%
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
2%
8%
% Black
1%
3%
% White
96%
67%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $11,497 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has declined by 13% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $10,657 is less than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has declined by 13% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$11,497
$13,121
Spending / Student
$10,657
$12,623
Best Willow Lake School District 12-3 Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Willow Lake High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 Garfield Ave
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Grades: 9-12
| 56 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Collins Colony Elementary - 06
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
19606 Collins Ave.
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Grades: K-8
| 16 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Shamrock Colony Elementary - 05
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
19087 413th Ave
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Grades: K-8
| 21 students
Rank: #44.
Willow Lake Middle School - 03
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
400 Garfield Ave
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Grades: 6-8
| 63 students
Rank: #55.
Mayfield Colony Elementary - 04
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
43188 Mayfield Rd
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Grades: K-8
| 32 students
Rank: #66.
Willow Lake Elementary - 02
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
400 Garfield Ave
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Willow Lake, SD 57278
(605) 625-5945
Grades: PK-5
| 150 students
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Willow Lake School District 12-3?
Willow Lake School District 12-3 manages 6 public schools serving 338 students.
What is the rank of Willow Lake School District 12-3?
Willow Lake School District 12-3 is ranked #93 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2021-2022 school year.
What is the racial composition of students in Willow Lake School District 12-3?
96% of Willow Lake School District 12-3 students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Willow Lake School District 12-3?
Willow Lake School District 12-3 has a student/teacher ratio of 13:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Willow Lake School District 12-3's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $10,657 is less than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has declined by 13% over four school years.
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
