Needs Improvement
#558 of 574 schools in SD
West Central High School - 01
High School · West Central School District 49-7
PO Box 730, Hartford, SD 57033
Enrollment
398
Student-Teacher
17.3:1
Score
3.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
398
Student-Teacher
17.3:1
Score
3.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hartford
#4 of 4
public schools
South Dakota high schools
#153 of 156
In district
#4 of 4
West Central School District 49-7
About West Central High School - 01
West Central High School - 01 is a regular public high school located in the rural setting of Hartford, South Dakota. Serving students from ninth through twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 398 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.3:1 with 23 full-time equivalent teachers. Despite its modest academic ranking at #529 out of 586 schools in South Dakota (placing it in the 10th percentile), West Central High School focuses on fostering a supportive learning environment where students can grow and develop.
Academically, the school has areas that need improvement, with an ELA/Reading proficiency rate of 69% and a Math proficiency rate of 34%. However, these figures underscore opportunities for academic enhancement and continuous improvement. West Central High School is situated in Minnehaha County, surrounded by a rural community that values education and supports its students.
The school's setting offers a close-knit atmosphere where teachers and staff are well-connected with the local community, contributing to a nurturing environment for high school students.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, West Central High School - 01 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
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West Central High School - 01 — Students at West Central High School - 01 score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
14.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores SD EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from SD state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 3.3/10.
How West Central High School - 01 Compares
See how West Central High School - 01 performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 37% (2019) to 27% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 77% (2019) to 57% (2022).
Location
PO Box 730, Hartford, SD 57033
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Central High School - 01 may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Tri-Valley High School - 01 (rated 7.7/10, 7.7 miles away, in nearby Colton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Roosevelt High School - 03 (rated 5.1/10, 9.7 miles away, in nearby Sioux Falls), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Jefferson High School - 67 (rated 4.7/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Sioux Falls), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Hartford, see our Hartford schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.7 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 57033 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$98,156
Median Home Value
$280,500
Median Rent
$949/mo
Population
5,947
College Educated
35.5%
Homeownership
82.9%
Avg Commute
22.3 min
Poverty Rate
3.5%
Median Age
36.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Central High School - 01 has a median household income of $98,156. It is an area where 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $280,500, with a median rent of $949/month. The local poverty rate of 3.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 22 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 |
|---|---|
| Madison High School - 01 Madison, SD | 3.4 |
| Vermillion High School - 01 Vermillion, SD | 3.9 |
| Sisseton High School - 01 Sisseton, SD | 3.3 |
| Canton High School - 01 Canton, SD | 4.4 |
| Lennox High School - 01 Lennox, SD | 4.5 |
| Belle Fourche High School - 01 Belle Fourche, SD | 4.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Central High School - 01
What grades does West Central High School - 01 serve?
West Central High School - 01 serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend West Central High School - 01?
West Central High School - 01 has an enrollment of approximately 398 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Central High School - 01?
The student-teacher ratio at West Central High School - 01 is 17.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Central High School - 01 rank in SD?
West Central High School - 01 is ranked #558 out of 574 schools in SD.
What is West Central High School - 01's MySchoolScout rating?
West Central High School - 01 has a composite rating of 3.6 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 West Central High School - 01?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Central High School - 01 has 33.7% math proficiency and 68.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Central High School - 01 a charter school?
No, West Central High School - 01 is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Central High School - 01 a Title I school?
No, West Central High School - 01 is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Central High School - 01?
14.3% of students at West Central High School - 01 qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (97/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 398
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 14.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Minnehaha County
- Phone
- (605) 528-6236
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
West Central School District 49-7- District Enrollment
- 1,409
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,984
- 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.
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