Clay County Schools & Education
Clay County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
12/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
82.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,809
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
12/100
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
#62
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Clay County
School Verdict
Clay County faces educational challenges with a school score of 12/100 and a graduation rate of 82.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $5,809 per pupil, Clay County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Clay County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 68% below the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 0.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 22% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Clay County, South Dakota
The Educational Heart of Vermillion
Clay County supports five public schools and a total enrollment of 1,598 students. While primarily focused in a single district, the system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Efficient Spending and Steady Results
The county maintains an 82.0% graduation rate, aligning almost exactly with the South Dakota state average. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,809, school performance remains competitive with a composite score of 46.7.
Vermillion District's Dominant Presence
Vermillion School District 13-1 is the primary educational provider, serving 1,436 students or about 90% of the county's total enrollment. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a strong traditional public school foundation.
Town-Centered School Culture
Unlike its neighbors, Clay County schools are mostly town-based, resulting in a larger average school size of 320 students. Vermillion High School is the largest campus with 430 students, followed closely by Jolley Elementary with 407 students.
Discover Homes in Clay County
Living near the Vermillion campus provides students with a town-based educational experience and easy access to local amenities. Explore housing options to find your place in this active educational community.
School Overview
Total Schools
5
in Clay County
Total Enrollment
1,598
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Clay County
Vermillion School District 13-1
5 Public Schools in Clay County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermillion High School - 01 | Vermillion School District 13-1 | 9–12 | High | 430 |
| Jolley Elementary - 04 | Vermillion School District 13-1 | 2–5 | Primary | 407 |
| Vermillion Middle School - 02 | Vermillion School District 13-1 | 6–8 | Middle | 321 |
| Austin Elementary - 03 | Vermillion School District 13-1 | PK–1 | Primary | 278 |
| Irene - Wakonda Elementary - 02 | Irene - Wakonda School District 13-3 | PK–6 | Primary | 162 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,809
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Clay County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Clay County?
How much does Clay County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clay County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clay County, South Dakota?
Clay County supports five public schools and a total enrollment of 1,598 students. While primarily focused in a single district, the system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
How do schools in Clay County perform academically?
The county maintains an 82.0% graduation rate, aligning almost exactly with the South Dakota state average. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,809, school performance remains competitive with a composite score of 46.7.
What are the major school districts in Clay County, South Dakota?
Vermillion School District 13-1 is the primary educational provider, serving 1,436 students or about 90% of the county's total enrollment. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a strong traditional public school foundation.
What is the school experience like in Clay County?
Unlike its neighbors, Clay County schools are mostly town-based, resulting in a larger average school size of 320 students. Vermillion High School is the largest campus with 430 students, followed closely by Jolley Elementary with 407 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clay County, South Dakota?
Living near the Vermillion campus provides students with a town-based educational experience and easy access to local amenities. Explore housing options to find your place in this active educational community.
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.