Day County Schools & Education
Day County, South Dakota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
91.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 82.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,132
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,409
School Score
38/100
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
#34
of 65 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Day County
School Verdict
Despite a lower school score of 38/100, Day County maintains a strong graduation rate of 91.2%, suggesting effective student support systems.
Funding Context
At $6,132 per pupil, Day County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Day County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 1% above the South Dakota average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 8.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 17% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Day County, South Dakota
Day County's Rural Education Network
Six public schools serve a total enrollment of 734 students across two districts. The infrastructure is evenly split between two elementary, two middle, and two high schools.
Strong Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending
Day County boasts a 91.2% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 82.4% and the national mark of 87%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,132, which is lower than both the state and national averages.
Webster Area Leads the Local Districts
Webster Area 18-5 is the largest district, educating 551 students across three schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all public education provided through traditional local districts.
The Intimacy of Rural Classrooms
Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, maintaining an average school size of 122 students. Webster Area Elementary is the largest facility with 265 students, while Waubay High School offers a highly personalized experience for its 64 students.
Settle Near High-Performing Rural Schools
With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Day County offers an excellent foundation for growing families. Explore local real estate to find a home where small-town values meet academic success.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Day County
Total Enrollment
734
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 Day County
Webster Area 18-5
Waubay School District 18-3
6 Public Schools in Day County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster Area Elementary - 03 | Webster Area 18-5 | PK–5 | Primary | 265 |
| Webster Area High School - 01 | Webster Area 18-5 | 9–12 | High | 161 |
| Webster Area Middle School - 02 | Webster Area 18-5 | 6–8 | Middle | 125 |
| Waubay Elementary - 02 | Waubay School District 18-3 | PK–6 | Primary | 87 |
| Waubay High School - 01 | Waubay School District 18-3 | 9–12 | High | 64 |
| Waubay Middle School - 03 | Waubay School District 18-3 | 7–8 | Middle | 32 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,132
State avg $7,409
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Day County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Day County?
How much does Day County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Day County, South Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Day County, South Dakota?
Six public schools serve a total enrollment of 734 students across two districts. The infrastructure is evenly split between two elementary, two middle, and two high schools.
How do schools in Day County perform academically?
Day County boasts a 91.2% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 82.4% and the national mark of 87%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,132, which is lower than both the state and national averages.
What are the major school districts in Day County, South Dakota?
Webster Area 18-5 is the largest district, educating 551 students across three schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all public education provided through traditional local districts.
What is the school experience like in Day County?
Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, maintaining an average school size of 122 students. Webster Area Elementary is the largest facility with 265 students, while Waubay High School offers a highly personalized experience for its 64 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Day County, South Dakota?
With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Day County offers an excellent foundation for growing families. Explore local real estate to find a home where small-town values meet academic success.
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.