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Average

#246 of 574 schools in SD

Top 43% in state

Wagner Middle School - 03

Middle School · Wagner Community School District 11-4

101 Walnut Ave SW, Wagner, SD 57380

Enrollment

274

Student-Teacher

13.7:1

Score

6.6

Grades

5th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Wagner

#4 of 4

public schools

South Dakota middle schools

#53 of 144

In district

#4 of 4

Wagner Community School District 11-4

School environment

8.1 / 10

Very strong

About Wagner Middle School - 03

Wagner Middle School - 03 is a middle school serving students in grades 5 through 8, located in the remote rural area of Wagner, South Dakota. With an enrollment of 274 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.7:1, the school benefits from smaller class sizes that facilitate more individualized attention. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 20 full-time equivalent teachers who work closely with students to support their academic and personal growth.

While Wagner Middle School - 03 currently ranks #329 out of 586 schools in South Dakota, placing it around the 44th percentile statewide, the school is focused on continuous improvement. Students here show proficiency rates of 43% in ELA/Reading and 25% in Math, indicating areas where additional support and resources can help them thrive academically. The school’s rural setting offers a close-knit community feel, with students and families often participating in local activities and events that enhance the educational experience beyond the classroom.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Wagner 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 Progress5.9Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.67 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.2Above Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26%
Reading/ELA Proficiency44%
Overall Proficiency35%
Expected (poverty-adj.)23%
vs. Expected+11.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
Resources & Environment8.1Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,011

Wagner Middle School - 03 — Students at Wagner Middle School - 03 score 35% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores SD EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 25.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 43.0%
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
30%
ELA
48%
2021*
Math
20%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
26%
ELA
44%

* 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: 5.9/10.

How Wagner Middle School - 03 Compares

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

Overall Score
6.6/10
57th percentile in SD
Academic
6.2/10
6.2/10
Growth
5.9/10
Above average
Environment
8.1/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
20 teachers

Location

101 Walnut Ave SW, Wagner, SD 57380

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Wagner Middle School - 03 may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Andes Central Middle School - 04 (rated 7.5/10, 12.6 miles away, in nearby Lake Andes), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Avon Middle School - 05 (rated 5.1/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Avon), a more accessible option. Additionally, Corsica-Stickney Jr. High - 03 (rated 4.8/10, 24.2 miles away, in nearby Corsica), a more accessible option. For more schools in Wagner, see our Wagner schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 24.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Wagner Elementary - 02 Wagner 0.0 mi 7.0
Wagner High School - 01 Wagner 0.0 mi 8.7
Early Learning Center - 04 Wagner 0.0 mi 7.2
Marty Indian School Marty 8.5 mi
Clearfield Colony Elementary - 07 Tripp 9.5 mi
Greenwood Colony Elementary - 05 Tripp 12.0 mi
Lakeview Colony Elementary - 05 Lake Andes 12.5 mi
Andes Central Elementary - 02 Lake Andes 12.6 mi 5.9
Andes Central High School - 01 Lake Andes 12.6 mi 5.8
Andes Central Middle School - 04 Lake Andes 12.6 mi 7.5
Armour High School - 01 Armour 16.7 mi 6.2
Armour Elementary - 02 Armour 16.7 mi 6.6
Armour Middle School - 03 Armour 16.7 mi 3.9
Avon Elementary - 02 Avon 13.5 mi 6.8
Avon High School - 01 Avon 13.5 mi 6.5
Avon Middle School - 05 Avon 13.5 mi 5.1
Avon Preschool - 06 Avon 13.5 mi
BOYD COUNTY ELEMENTARY (LYNCH) Lynch 19.2 mi 9.5
Corsica-Stickney Jr. High - 03 Corsica 24.2 mi 4.8
Corsica-Stickney High School - 01 Corsica 24.2 mi 8.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 57380 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,309

Median Home Value

$153,800

Median Rent

$724/mo

Population

3,335

College Educated

21.3%

Homeownership

65.2%

Avg Commute

15 min

Poverty Rate

18.4%

Median Age

31.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Wagner Middle School - 03 has a median household income of $63,309. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $153,800, with a median rent of $724/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.4%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 15 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
West Central Middle School - 04 Hartford, SD 6.5
Canton Middle School - 04 Canton, SD 6.3
Hot Springs Middle School - 06 Hot Springs, SD 6.3
Sisseton Middle School - 02 Sisseton, SD 6.9
Lennox Jr. High - 08 Lennox, SD 7.0
Dakota Valley Middle School - 03 North Sioux City, SD 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wagner Middle School - 03

What grades does Wagner Middle School - 03 serve?

Wagner Middle School - 03 serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend Wagner Middle School - 03?

Wagner Middle School - 03 has an enrollment of approximately 274 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Wagner Middle School - 03 is 13.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Wagner Middle School - 03 rank in SD?

Wagner Middle School - 03 is ranked #246 out of 574 schools in SD.

What is Wagner Middle School - 03's MySchoolScout rating?

Wagner Middle School - 03 has a composite rating of 6.6 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 Wagner Middle School - 03?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Wagner Middle School - 03 has 25.3% math proficiency and 43.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Wagner Middle School - 03 a charter school?

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

Is Wagner Middle School - 03 a Title I school?

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

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

100.0% of students at Wagner 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

City Safety
High (4,549/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Wagner). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
274
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Charles Mix County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Wagner Community School District 11-4
District Enrollment
900
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,825
District Rank
#4 of 4

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

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