Skip to main content

Average

#434 of 574 schools in SD

Mount Vernon Middle School - 03

Middle School · Mount Vernon School District 17-3

Box 46, Mount Vernon, SD 57363

Enrollment

61

Student-Teacher

20.3:1

Score

5.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Mount Vernon

#3 of 3

public schools

South Dakota middle schools

#100 of 144

In district

#3 of 3

Mount Vernon School District 17-3

Academic performance

8.1 / 10

Very strong

About Mount Vernon Middle School - 03

Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 is a rural public middle school located in Mount Vernon, South Dakota. Serving grades six through eight, the school has an enrollment of 61 students and employs three full-time equivalent teachers, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 20.3:1. Academically, Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 ranks 47th percentile statewide with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10, and an academic score of 7.0 out of 10.

In reading and English language arts, 58% of students are proficient or above, while in math, 68% meet proficiency standards. Set amid the rolling hills and open landscapes of Davison County, Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 provides a close-knit community environment where teachers can give individual attention to each student. With room for academic growth, the school focuses on developing well-rounded students who thrive both in and out of the classroom.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 61 students, Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

The student-teacher ratio at Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 is 20.3:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Located in a rural area, Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.6Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.83 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics8.1Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency64.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.5%
Overall Proficiency55%
Expected (poverty-adj.)43%
vs. Expected+11.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile71th
Resources & Environment2.2Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,264

Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 — Students at Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

41%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores SD EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 67.8%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 57.8%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from SD state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2021*
Math
74.5%
ELA
64.5%
2022
Math
64.5%
ELA
44.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.6/10.

How Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 Compares

See how Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
25th percentile in SD
Academic
8.1/10
8.1/10
Growth
4.6/10
Below average
Environment
2.2/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers

Location

Box 46, Mount Vernon, SD 57363

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Mitchell Middle School - 02 (rated 7.2/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Mitchell), which scores notably higher. Another option is Plankinton Jr. High - 03 (rated 6.6/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Plankinton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Corsica-Stickney Jr. High - 03 (rated 4.8/10, 21.3 miles away, in nearby Corsica), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Mount Vernon, see our Mount Vernon schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 21.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Mount Vernon Elementary - 02 Mount Vernon 0.0 mi 8.9
Mount Vernon High School- 01 Mount Vernon 0.0 mi 8.4
Aurora Plains Academy High School - 05 Plankinton 10.3 mi
Aurora Plains Academy Middle School - 04 Plankinton 10.3 mi
Dakota Reach - 06 Plankinton 10.3 mi
Dakota Reach Middle School - 07 Plankinton 10.3 mi
Corsica-Stickney Elementary - 02 Stickney 12.3 mi 7.5
JOHN PAUL II ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mitchell 10.9 mi 6.6
Plankinton Elementary - 02 Plankinton 10.9 mi 9.3
Plankinton High School - 01 Plankinton 10.9 mi 7.8
Plankinton Jr. High - 03 Plankinton 10.9 mi 6.6
MITCHELL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mitchell 11.3 mi 7.4
Mitchell Middle School - 02 Mitchell 11.3 mi 7.2
L. B. Williams Elementary - 03 Mitchell 11.6 mi 7.8
Abbott House High School - 07 Mitchell 11.6 mi 4.1
Abbott House Elementary - 06 Mitchell 11.6 mi
Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary - 04 Mitchell 11.9 mi 6.3
Mitchell High School - 01 Mitchell 12.2 mi 6.4
Longfellow Elementary - 05 Mitchell 12.4 mi 8.8
Corsica-Stickney Jr. High - 03 Corsica 21.3 mi 4.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 57363 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$72,750

Median Home Value

$207,000

Median Rent

$389/mo

Population

867

College Educated

18.2%

Homeownership

68.8%

Poverty Rate

3.7%

Median Age

33.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 has a median household income of $72,750. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $207,000, with a median rent of $389/month. The local poverty rate of 3.7% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Iroquois Middle School - 02 Iroquois, SD 5.3
Montrose Middle School - 03 Montrose, SD 5.3
Avon Middle School - 05 Avon, SD 5.1
Canistota Middle School - 03 Canistota, SD 5.1
Gettysburg Middle School - 03 Gettysburg, SD 5.1
Henry Middle School - 03 Henry, SD 5.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mount Vernon Middle School - 03

What grades does Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 serve?

Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Mount Vernon Middle School - 03?

Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 has an enrollment of approximately 61 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mount Vernon Middle School - 03?

The student-teacher ratio at Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 is 20.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 rank in SD?

Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 is ranked #434 out of 574 schools in SD.

What is Mount Vernon Middle School - 03's MySchoolScout rating?

Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Mount Vernon Middle School - 03?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 has 67.8% math proficiency and 57.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 a charter school?

No, Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 a Title I school?

No, Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mount Vernon Middle School - 03?

41.0% of students at Mount Vernon Middle School - 03 qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

County Safety
Low (60/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
61
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
41.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Davison County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Mount Vernon School District 17-3
District Enrollment
266
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,363
District Rank
#3 of 3

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.