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Northwestern Middle School - 02

Summary:

Northwestern Middle School - 02 is a public middle school located in Mellette, South Dakota, serving grades 6-8 with a total enrollment of 59 students. The school is part of the Northwestern Area School District 56-7, which is ranked 40 out of 126 school districts in the state and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Northwestern Middle School - 02 consistently ranks among the top middle schools in South Dakota, with a statewide ranking between 21 and 92 over the past 10 years. The school's performance on Smarter Balanced Assessments is impressive, with students consistently outperforming the state and district averages in both English Language Arts and Mathematics across all grade levels. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school's proficiency rates in ELA (61.01%) and Math (55.93%) are significantly higher than the state averages (50.04% and 42.95%, respectively). Additionally, the school's 8th-grade students have particularly strong performance, with 76.19% proficient or better in Science, compared to the state average of 38.83%.

Compared to nearby schools, Redfield Middle School - 02 has significantly lower academic performance, with proficiency rates in ELA (43.43%) and Math (27.27%) well below the state averages and Northwestern Middle School - 02's performance. In contrast, Warner Middle School - 03, located approximately 12 miles from the target school, is an exceptional school, consistently ranking among the top 5 middle schools in South Dakota and outperforming Northwestern Middle School - 02 in both ELA (72%) and Math (74.66%) proficiency rates.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 221 3rd St
       Mellette, SD  57461

(605) 887-3467

District: Northwestern Area School District 56-7

SchoolDigger Rank:
21st of 147 South Dakota Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,472 Help


Students who attend Northwestern Middle School - 02 usually attend:

High:    Northwestern High School - 01

Feeder schools for Northwestern Middle School - 02:

Elementary:    Northwestern Elementary - 04

Student/teacher ratio:  13.3 Help
Number of students:  59

Racial breakdown:

White:
94.9%
African American:
1.7%
Hispanic:
1.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  10.2% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Northwestern Middle School - 02 ranks better than 85.7% of middle schools in South Dakota. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 79.27. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Teachers
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northwestern Middle School - 02 is $10,472.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Northwestern Middle School - 02:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwestern Middle School - 02 21st of 147 South Dakota public middle schools. (See Northwestern Middle School - 02 in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Male students:
White students:


Northwestern Area School District 56-7:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwestern Area School District 56-7 40th of 126 South Dakota school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Northwestern Middle School - 02

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Rank History for all students at Northwestern Middle School - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 66.62 36th 136 73.5%
2006 61.98 54th 141 61.7%
2007 59.99 61st 136 55.1%
2008 58.97 67th 136 50.7%
2009 45.15 100th 139 28.1%
2010 52.85 84th 139 39.6%
2011 50.64 86th 140 38.6%
2012 42.57 100th 146 31.5%
2013 55.88 73rd 145 49.7%
2015 55.88 58th 145 60.0%
2016 45.80 92nd 147 37.4%
2017 61.47 52nd 146 64.4%
2018 69.99 34th 147 76.9%
2019 63.10 49th 149 67.1%
2021 70.66 28th 145 80.7%
2022 70.08 36th 143 74.8%
2023 55.28 67th 150 55.3%
2024 79.27 21st 147 85.7%
See the entire list of South Dakota Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Northwestern Middle School - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.90 51st 99 48.5%
2021 61.07 39th 113 65.5%
2022 63.41 33rd 102 67.6%
2023 44.81 69th 112 38.4%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Northwestern Middle School - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 85.61 5th 111 95.5%
2019 97.27 1st 110 99.1%
2022 67.31 26th 104 75.0%
2023 55.34 48th 116 58.6%
2024 75.01 17th 115 85.2%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Northwestern Middle School - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 57.34 51st 131 61.1%
2019 54.92 56th 136 58.8%
2021 60.28 43rd 136 68.4%
2022 58.26 51st 132 61.4%
2023 43.17 84th 136 38.2%
2024 69.57 31st 132 76.5%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: South Dakota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Northwestern Middle School - 02 Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: South Dakota Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Northwestern Middle School - 02

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 69 69
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 69 69
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 61 61
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 61 61
1993 60 0 0 0 3 n/a n/a 0 63
1994 79 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 81
1995 84 1 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 86
1996 84 1 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 86
1997 80 1 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 83
1998 75 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 77
1999 68 0 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 69
2000 67 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 67
2001 45 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 45
2002 64 1 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 65
2003 64 1 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 65
2004 62 0 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 63
2005 73 0 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 74
2006 70 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 72
2007 59 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 59
2008 58 n/a n/a n/a 1 n/a n/a 0 59
2009 57 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 57
2010 70 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 70
2011 57 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 58
2012 59 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 60
2013 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47
2014 54 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 56
2015 58 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 59
2016 70 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 72
2017 65 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 67
2018 60 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 63
2019 48 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 51
2020 57 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 59
2021 61 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 64
2022 70 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 73
2023 56 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 59

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Northwestern Middle School - 02

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 69 5.4 12.7 n/a
1990 69 4.2 16.4 n/a
1991 61 1.3 46.9 n/a
1992 61 1.3 46.9 n/a
1993 63 4.2 15.0 n/a
1994 81 3.9 20.8 n/a
1995 86 3.6 23.9 n/a
1996 86 3.6 23.9 n/a
1997 83 4.5 18.4 21.7
1998 77 3.9 19.7 32.5
1999 69 5.4 12.8 31.9
2000 67 4.5 14.9 31.3
2001 45 4.4 10.2 28.9
2002 65 4.4 14.8 41.5
2003 65 4.4 14.8 41.5
2004 63 4.5 14.0 31.7
2005 74 4.3 17.2 32.4
2006 72 4.1 17.6 29.2
2007 59 3.9 15.1 37.3
2008 59 3.8 15.5 37.3
2009 57 4.0 14.3 38.6
2010 70 3.8 18.3 25.7
2011 58 3.9 14.7 27.6
2012 60 4.1 14.5 28.3
2013 47 3.6 12.7 36.2
2014 56 4.1 13.4 28.6
2015 59 4.0 14.7 15.3
2016 72 4.0 18.0 30.6
2017 67 3.4 19.5 19.4
2018 63 4.6 13.5 19
2019 51 4.1 12.2 13.7
2020 59 4.4 13.3 23.7
2021 64 4.4 14.4 21.9
2022 73 4.4 16.4 6.8
2023 59 4.4 13.3 10.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Northwestern Middle School - 02

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 69 5.4 12.7 n/a
1990 69 4.2 16.4 n/a
1991 61 1.3 46.9 n/a
1992 61 1.3 46.9 n/a
1993 63 4.2 15.0 n/a
1994 81 3.9 20.8 n/a
1995 86 3.6 23.9 n/a
1996 86 3.6 23.9 n/a
1997 83 4.5 18.4 21.7
1998 77 3.9 19.7 32.5
1999 69 5.4 12.8 31.9
2000 67 4.5 14.9 31.3
2001 45 4.4 10.2 28.9
2002 65 4.4 14.8 41.5
2003 65 4.4 14.8 41.5
2004 63 4.5 14.0 31.7
2005 74 4.3 17.2 32.4
2006 72 4.1 17.6 29.2
2007 59 3.9 15.1 37.3
2008 59 3.8 15.5 37.3
2009 57 4.0 14.3 38.6
2010 70 3.8 18.3 25.7
2011 58 3.9 14.7 27.6
2012 60 4.1 14.5 28.3
2013 47 3.6 12.7 36.2
2014 56 4.1 13.4 28.6
2015 59 4.0 14.7 15.3
2016 72 4.0 18.0 30.6
2017 67 3.4 19.5 19.4
2018 63 4.6 13.5 19
2019 51 4.1 12.2 13.7
2020 59 4.4 13.3 23.7
2021 64 4.4 14.4 21.9
2022 73 4.4 16.4 6.8
2023 59 4.4 13.3 10.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Northwestern Middle School - 02

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2020 $80 (0.9%) $9,315 (99.1%) $9,395
2021 $282 (2.7%) $10,157 (97.3%) $10,439
2022 $390 (4.1%) $9,219 (95.9%) $9,609
2023 $470 (4.5%) $10,002 (95.5%) $10,472

Data source: South Dakota Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northwestern Middle School - 02

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 49th of 149 Middle schoolsRanks 67th of 150 Middle schools
 11.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Middle School - 02)38.930.8
 8.1%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)38.926.7
 12.2%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)50.844.6
 6.3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Middle School - 02)38.938.5
 0.4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)38.933.3
 5.6%
   6th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)41.339.1
 2.2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Middle School - 02)43.869.6
 25.8%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)43.864
 20.3%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)54.150.7
 3.4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Middle School - 02)56.352.2
 4.1%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)56.348
 8.3%
   7th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)45.641.2
 4.4%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Middle School - 02)7048
 22%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)7044.5
 25.6%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)52.148.8
 3.4%
8th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Middle School - 02)6532
 33%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)6529.6
 35.4%
   8th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)43.837.5
 6.3%
8th Grade Science (Northwestern Middle School - 02)6040
 20%
   8th Grade Science (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)6037
 23%
   8th Grade Science (South Dakota)41.238.1
 3.1%
All Grades English Language Arts (Northwestern Middle School - 02)51.952.5
 0.6%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)54.152.5
 1.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (South Dakota)53.249.7
 3.5%
All Grades Mathematics (Northwestern Middle School - 02)53.741
 12.7%
   All Grades Mathematics (Northwestern Area School District 56-7)51.941.8
 10.1%
   All Grades Mathematics (South Dakota)44.941.9
 3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students5159
 15.7%
African American01
American Indian00
Asian00
Hispanic01
Pacific Islander00
White4856
 16.7%
Two or More Races31
 66.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients13.7%10.2%
 3.6%

Schools Near Northwestern Middle School - 02








Frequently Asked Questions about Northwestern Middle School - 02

Students at Northwestern Middle School - 02 are 95% White, 2% African American, 2% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 59 students attended Northwestern Middle School - 02.

Northwestern Middle School - 02 ranks 21st of 147 South Dakota middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Northwestern Middle School - 02 usually go on to attend Northwestern High School - 01


Rate Northwestern Middle School - 02!



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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the South Dakota Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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