Top Rankings
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 387 students in Northwestern Area School District 56-7. This district's average testing ranking is 8/10, which is in the top 30% of public schools in South Dakota.
Public Schools in Northwestern Area School District 56-7 have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 34% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
6 Schools
727 Schools
# Students
387 Students
146,864 Students
# Teachers
26 Teachers
10,621 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Northwestern Area School District 56-7, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50-59% has increased from 50% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#42 out of 148 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
42%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)50-59%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.20
0.53
% American Indian
2%
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
4%
9%
% Black
1%
3%
% White
89%
66%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $10,682 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,047. The school district revenue/student has declined by 12% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $9,276 is less than the state median of $12,552. The school district spending/student has declined by 12% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$10,682
$13,047
Spending / Student
$9,276
$12,552
Best Northwestern Area School District 56-7 Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwestern High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Gr: 9-12 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Northwestern Middle School - 02
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Gr: 6-8 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Northwestern Elementary - 04
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Gr: PK-5 | 135 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
14625 401st Ave
Stratford, SD 57474
(605) 396-7497
Stratford, SD 57474
(605) 396-7497
Gr: K-8 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Rank: n/an/a
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Gr: 6-8 | 7 students Minority enrollment: 14%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Northwestern Area School District 56-7?
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 manages 5 public schools serving 387 students.
What is the rank of Northwestern Area School District 56-7?
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 is ranked #44 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (top 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of South Dakota school districts for: Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
What is the racial composition of students in Northwestern Area School District 56-7?
89% of Northwestern Area School District 56-7 students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Northwestern Area School District 56-7?
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 has a student/teacher ratio of 15:1, which is higher than the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Northwestern Area School District 56-7's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $9,276 is less than the state median of $12,552. The school district spending/student has declined by 12% over four school years.
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