Clark County Schools & Education
Clark County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
16/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
75.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
75.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,618
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
16/100
Higher = better
State avg 38/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#56
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Clark County
School Verdict
Clark County faces educational challenges with a school score of 16/100 and a graduation rate of 75.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,618 per pupil, Clark County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Clark County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 57% below the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 7.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 11% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Clark County, South Dakota
Small-Scale Schooling in Clark County
Clark County manages 11 public schools that serve a total of 785 students across two primary school districts. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward early education, featuring seven elementary schools alongside two middle and two high schools.
Educational Challenges and Lean Spending
With a $6,618 per-pupil expenditure, Clark County spends less than both the state and national averages. The 75.0% graduation rate falls below the South Dakota average of 82.4%, while the composite school score is 44.8.
Clark and Willow Lake Districts
Clark School District 12-2 is the county's largest, enrolling 482 students, while Willow Lake School District 12-3 serves 323 students. Public education here remains traditional, with 0% of schools operating as charters.
Rural Roots and Cozy Classrooms
The county's entire school system is rural, providing an average enrollment of just 71 students per school. Clark Elementary is the largest school with 201 students, offering a stark contrast to the county's smaller rural outposts.
Plant Roots in Clark County
Prospective residents are often drawn to the low student-to-teacher ratios found in Clark and Willow Lake. Consider how these personalized learning environments can benefit your family as you browse local homes.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in Clark County
Total Enrollment
785
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Clark County
Clark School District 12-2
Willow Lake School District 12-3
11 Public Schools in Clark County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark Elementary - 02 | Clark School District 12-2 | PK–5 | Primary | 201 |
| Willow Lake Elementary - 02 | Willow Lake School District 12-3 | PK–5 | Primary | 144 |
| Clark High School - 01 | Clark School District 12-2 | 9–12 | High | 102 |
| Clark Middle School - 03 | Clark School District 12-2 | 6–8 | Middle | 87 |
| Willow Lake Middle School - 03 | Willow Lake School District 12-3 | 6–8 | Middle | 58 |
| Willow Lake High School - 01 | Willow Lake School District 12-3 | 9–12 | High | 57 |
| Fordham Colony Elementary - 04 | Clark School District 12-2 | KG–8 | Primary | 37 |
| Hillcrest Colony Elementary - 05 | Clark School District 12-2 | KG–8 | Primary | 29 |
| Mayfield Colony Elementary - 04 | Willow Lake School District 12-3 | KG–8 | Primary | 28 |
| Silver Lake Colony - 07 | Clark School District 12-2 | KG–8 | Primary | 26 |
| Collins Colony Elementary - 06 | Willow Lake School District 12-3 | KG–8 | Primary | 16 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,618
State avg $7,409
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Clark County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Clark County?
How much does Clark County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clark County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clark County, South Dakota?
Clark County manages 11 public schools that serve a total of 785 students across two primary school districts. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward early education, featuring seven elementary schools alongside two middle and two high schools.
How do schools in Clark County perform academically?
With a $6,618 per-pupil expenditure, Clark County spends less than both the state and national averages. The 75.0% graduation rate falls below the South Dakota average of 82.4%, while the composite school score is 44.8.
What are the major school districts in Clark County, South Dakota?
Clark School District 12-2 is the county's largest, enrolling 482 students, while Willow Lake School District 12-3 serves 323 students. Public education here remains traditional, with 0% of schools operating as charters.
What is the school experience like in Clark County?
The county's entire school system is rural, providing an average enrollment of just 71 students per school. Clark Elementary is the largest school with 201 students, offering a stark contrast to the county's smaller rural outposts.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clark County, South Dakota?
Prospective residents are often drawn to the low student-to-teacher ratios found in Clark and Willow Lake. Consider how these personalized learning environments can benefit your family as you browse local homes.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.