Willow Lake Elementary - 02

Summary:

Willow Lake Elementary - 02 is a public elementary school serving grades PK-5 in the rural town of Willow Lake, South Dakota, with 144 students enrolled. Over the past several years, this school has seen a steady decline in its statewide ranking, currently sitting at 152nd out of 201 South Dakota elementary schools.

Willow Lake Elementary - 02 consistently underperforms the state and Willow Lake School District 12-3 averages in both English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency. In 2023-2024, the school's ELA proficiency rate was 35.59%, compared to the state average of 50.04% and the district average of 48.81%. Similarly, the school's Math proficiency rate was 37.28%, compared to the state average of 42.95% and the district average of 36.91%. Additionally, the school has a relatively high chronic absenteeism rate, ranging from 9.8% to 10.8% over the past few years, which is higher than the state average.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Mayfield Colony Elementary - 04, which is only 5.5 miles away, Willow Lake Elementary - 02 performs significantly worse in terms of test scores and other key metrics. The school's small size and rural location may present unique challenges in terms of resources and staffing that could impact student outcomes. However, the school's ranking for low socioeconomic status students is in the middle third, suggesting that the school may be providing additional support for this population.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 400 Garfield Ave
       Willow Lake, SD  57278


(605) 625-5945

District: Willow Lake School District 12-3

SchoolDigger Rank:
152nd of 201 South Dakota Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,343 Help


Students who attend Willow Lake Elementary - 02 usually attend:

Middle:    Willow Lake Middle School - 03
High:    Willow Lake High School - 01

Student/teacher ratio:  14.2 Help
Number of students:  150

Racial breakdown:

White:
95.3%
Hispanic:
2.7%
African American:
1.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  42% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Willow Lake Elementary - 02 ranks worse than 75.6% of elementary schools in South Dakota. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 29.56. (See more...)
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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
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Compare Details Willow Lake Elementary - 02 has the largest elementary school student body size in the Willow Lake School District 12-3. Racial makeup is: White (95.3%), Hispanic (2.7%), African American (1.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 42% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Willow Lake School District 12-3. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Willow Lake Elementary - 02 is 14.2, which is the 2nd best among 1 elementary schools in the Willow Lake School District 12-3. (See more...)
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Compare Willow Lake Elementary - 02 employs 10.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Willow Lake Elementary - 02 is $11,343, which is the highest among 4 elementary schools in the Willow Lake School District 12-3!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Willow Lake Elementary - 02:

SchoolDigger ranks Willow Lake Elementary - 02 152nd of 201 South Dakota public elementary schools. (See Willow Lake Elementary - 02 in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:




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Rank History for Willow Lake Elementary - 02

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Rank History for all students at Willow Lake Elementary - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 76.10 19th 187 89.8%
2004 70.60 42nd 189 77.8%
2005 49.36 132nd 194 32.0%
2006 46.56 139th 197 29.4%
2007 32.87 161st 194 17.0%
2008 50.52 131st 194 32.5%
2009 30.60 164th 196 16.3%
2010 28.10 173rd 206 16.0%
2011 10.78 194th 205 5.4%
2015 52.91 109th 209 47.8%
2016 64.99 65th 206 68.4%
2017 62.86 71st 207 65.7%
2018 54.77 99th 204 51.5%
2019 51.03 100th 206 51.5%
2021 43.83 126th 202 37.6%
2022 33.84 141st 202 30.2%
2023 34.22 142nd 204 30.4%
2024 29.56 152nd 201 24.4%
See the entire list of South Dakota Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Willow Lake Elementary - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 49.84 46th 110 58.2%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Willow Lake Elementary - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 45.37 86th 151 43.0%
2022 30.46 116th 150 22.7%
2023 18.19 136th 154 11.7%
2024 24.37 135th 165 18.2%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Willow Lake Elementary - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 54.82 76th 157 51.6%
2024 10.15 149th 161 7.5%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Willow Lake Elementary - 02

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 48.57 106th 186 43.0%
2019 48.15 105th 191 45.0%
2021 39.17 122nd 185 34.1%
2022 24.74 148th 184 19.6%
2023 25.08 151st 185 18.4%
2024 20.92 159th 184 13.6%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Elementary 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.

Willow Lake Elementary - 02 Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: South Dakota Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Willow Lake Elementary - 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 140 140
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 138 138
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 137 137
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 137 137
1993 133 3 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 138
1994 134 6 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 140
1995 120 2 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 123
1996 120 2 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 123
1997 111 1 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 113
1998 103 1 0 0 4 n/a n/a 0 108
1999 111 0 0 0 5 n/a n/a 0 116
2000 105 0 0 0 3 n/a n/a 0 108
2001 100 0 0 0 3 n/a n/a 0 103
2002 89 0 0 0 6 n/a n/a 0 95
2003 89 0 0 0 6 n/a n/a 0 95
2004 87 0 0 0 6 n/a n/a 0 93
2005 94 0 0 0 4 n/a n/a 0 98
2006 81 0 0 0 4 n/a n/a 0 85
2007 79 0 0 1 2 n/a n/a 0 82
2008 72 0 0 0 3 n/a n/a 0 75
2009 69 0 0 1 2 n/a n/a 0 72
2010 72 0 0 2 2 n/a n/a 0 76
2011 82 1 0 4 2 0 0 0 89
2012 68 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 75
2013 73 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 76
2014 78 0 0 8 1 0 0 0 87
2015 96 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 103
2016 87 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 91
2017 85 0 0 6 2 0 0 0 93
2018 98 1 0 5 3 0 0 0 107
2019 104 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 111
2020 117 1 0 5 2 0 0 0 125
2021 115 1 0 4 2 0 0 0 122
2022 123 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 129
2023 139 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 144
2024 143 2 0 4 1 0 0 0 150

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 Willow Lake Elementary - 02

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 140 9.0 15.5 n/a
1990 138 10.2 13.5 n/a
1991 137 10.1 13.5 n/a
1992 137 10.1 13.5 n/a
1993 138 9.7 14.2 n/a
1994 140 9.6 14.6 n/a
1995 123 9.5 12.9 n/a
1996 123 9.5 12.9 n/a
1997 113 9.9 11.4 32.7
1998 108 9.3 11.6 39.8
1999 116 9.4 12.3 39.7
2000 108 9.7 11.1 38
2001 103 9.7 10.6 35
2002 95 10.5 9.0 47.4
2003 95 10.5 9.0 47.4
2004 93 10.3 9.0 49.5
2005 98 10.3 9.5 52
2006 85 10.3 8.3 49.4
2007 82 10.3 8.0 59.8
2008 75 10.4 7.2 58.7
2009 72 9.5 7.6 40.3
2010 76 10.0 7.5 40.8
2011 89 9.8 9.0 40.4
2012 75 7.6 9.8 42.7
2013 76 8.6 8.7 26.3
2014 87 9.0 9.6 29.9
2015 103 10.0 10.3 32
2016 91 9.0 10.1 44
2017 93 8.8 10.5 39.8
2018 107 8.7 12.2 39.3
2019 111 9.0 12.3 35.1
2020 125 9.0 13.8 36
2021 122 9.0 13.4 36.1
2022 129 9.3 13.8 8.5
2023 144 9.7 14.7 41
2024 150 10.5 14.2 42

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 Willow Lake Elementary - 02

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 140 9.0 15.5 n/a
1990 138 10.2 13.5 n/a
1991 137 10.1 13.5 n/a
1992 137 10.1 13.5 n/a
1993 138 9.7 14.2 n/a
1994 140 9.6 14.6 n/a
1995 123 9.5 12.9 n/a
1996 123 9.5 12.9 n/a
1997 113 9.9 11.4 32.7
1998 108 9.3 11.6 39.8
1999 116 9.4 12.3 39.7
2000 108 9.7 11.1 38
2001 103 9.7 10.6 35
2002 95 10.5 9.0 47.4
2003 95 10.5 9.0 47.4
2004 93 10.3 9.0 49.5
2005 98 10.3 9.5 52
2006 85 10.3 8.3 49.4
2007 82 10.3 8.0 59.8
2008 75 10.4 7.2 58.7
2009 72 9.5 7.6 40.3
2010 76 10.0 7.5 40.8
2011 89 9.8 9.0 40.4
2012 75 7.6 9.8 42.7
2013 76 8.6 8.7 26.3
2014 87 9.0 9.6 29.9
2015 103 10.0 10.3 32
2016 91 9.0 10.1 44
2017 93 8.8 10.5 39.8
2018 107 8.7 12.2 39.3
2019 111 9.0 12.3 35.1
2020 125 9.0 13.8 36
2021 122 9.0 13.4 36.1
2022 129 9.3 13.8 8.5
2023 144 9.7 14.7 41
2024 150 10.5 14.2 42

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 Willow Lake Elementary - 02

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2020 $653 (6.2%) $9,805 (93.8%) $10,457
2021 $728 (7.0%) $9,684 (93.0%) $10,413
2022 $747 (7.1%) $9,801 (92.9%) $10,548
2023 $907 (8.0%) $10,436 (92.0%) $11,343

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Willow Lake Elementary - 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 100th of 206 Elementary schoolsRanks 142nd of 204 Elementary schools
 21.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)45.530.4
 15%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake School District 12-3)46.232.2
 14%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)49.145.3
 3.8%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)54.643.5
 11.1%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake School District 12-3)53.942.9
 11%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)52.751.1
 1.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)83.355.6
 27.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake School District 12-3)58.847.8
 11%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)50.347.2
 3.1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)7555.6
 19.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake School District 12-3)64.747.8
 16.9%
   4th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)4947.7
 1.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)4027.3
 12.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake School District 12-3)44.424.1
 20.3%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)54.148.7
 5.4%
5th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)53.340.9
 12.4%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake School District 12-3)40.731
 9.7%
   5th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)40.539.4
 1.2%
5th Grade Science (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)33.322.7
 10.6%
   5th Grade Science (Willow Lake School District 12-3)29.617.2
 12.4%
   5th Grade Science (South Dakota)42.139.9
 2.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)53.136.5
 16.6%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Willow Lake School District 12-3)52.339.8
 12.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (South Dakota)53.249.7
 3.5%
All Grades Mathematics (Willow Lake Elementary - 02)59.246
 13.2%
   All Grades Mathematics (Willow Lake School District 12-3)44.633.7
 10.9%
   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 Students111144
 29.7%
African American01
American Indian30
 100%
Asian00
Hispanic44
Pacific Islander00
White104139
 33.7%
Two or More Races00
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients35.1%41%
 5.8%


Schools Near Willow Lake Elementary - 02









Frequently Asked Questions about Willow Lake Elementary - 02

In the 2023-24 school year, 150 students attended Willow Lake Elementary - 02.

Students who attend Willow Lake Elementary - 02 usually go on to attend:

Middle : Willow Lake Middle School - 03
High : Willow Lake High School - 01

Students at Willow Lake Elementary - 02 are 95% White, 3% Hispanic, 1% African American.

Willow Lake Elementary - 02 ranks in the bottom 24.4% of South Dakota elementary schools.


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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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