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Willow Lake Middle School - 03

Summary:

Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is a public middle school serving grades 6-8 in the small town of Willow Lake, South Dakota, with a student population of 58. This school consistently outperforms the Willow Lake School District 12-3 and the state of South Dakota in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics proficiency rates, ranking 40th out of all South Dakota middle schools for the 2023-2024 school year with a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

One key differentiator for Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is its strong academic performance, with ELA and Mathematics proficiency rates significantly higher than the district and state averages. However, the school has also experienced a concerning increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 1.8% in 2021-2022 to 14.2% in 2023-2024. The school's free and reduced lunch rate has fluctuated over the years, suggesting a diverse student population, and it maintains a relatively low student-teacher ratio, which may contribute to its academic success.

When compared to nearby middle schools, such as Henry Middle School - 03, Clark Middle School - 03, Hamlin Middle School - 02, and De Smet Middle School - 03, Willow Lake Middle School - 03 stands out as the highest-performing school in terms of test scores and overall statewide ranking. The school has also shown strong performance among its female and white student subgroups, suggesting effective support for these populations.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 400 Garfield Ave
       Willow Lake, SD  57278

(605) 625-5945

District: Willow Lake School District 12-3

SchoolDigger Rank:
40th of 147 South Dakota Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,371 Help


Students who attend Willow Lake Middle School - 03 usually attend:

High:    Willow Lake High School - 01

Feeder schools for Willow Lake Middle School - 03:

Elementary:    Willow Lake Elementary - 02

Student/teacher ratio:  14.6 Help
Number of students:  58

Racial breakdown:

White:
87.9%
Hispanic:
8.6%
American Indian:
3.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  29.3% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Willow Lake Middle School - 03 ranks better than 72.8% of middle schools in South Dakota. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 65.22. (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
Teachers
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Willow Lake Middle School - 03 is $8,371.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Willow Lake Middle School - 03:

SchoolDigger ranks Willow Lake Middle School - 03 40th of 147 South Dakota public middle schools. (See Willow Lake Middle School - 03 in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:
White students:




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Rank History for Willow Lake Middle School - 03

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Rank History for all students at Willow Lake Middle School - 03

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 54.57 68th 133 48.9%
2004 88.44 1st 134 99.3%
2005 81.45 9th 136 93.4%
2006 82.63 6th 141 95.7%
2007 61.26 55th 136 59.6%
2008 59.79 65th 136 52.2%
2009 38.23 111th 139 20.1%
2011 38.47 105th 140 25.0%
2012 17.74 134th 146 8.2%
2013 57.13 69th 145 52.4%
2016 78.97 18th 147 87.8%
2017 56.17 65th 146 55.5%
2018 72.05 27th 147 81.6%
2019 42.31 98th 149 34.2%
2021 51.31 67th 145 53.8%
2022 60.03 49th 143 65.7%
2023 48.80 83rd 150 44.7%
2024 65.22 40th 147 72.8%
See the entire list of South Dakota Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Willow Lake Middle School - 03

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 62.17 37th 113 67.3%
2023 56.97 53rd 112 52.7%
2024 73.80 17th 107 84.1%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Willow Lake Middle School - 03

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 65.38 32nd 111 71.2%
2019 47.63 60th 110 45.5%
2024 55.96 48th 115 58.3%
See the entire list of Best South Dakota Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Willow Lake Middle School - 03

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools SD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 89.37 5th 131 96.2%
2019 36.51 94th 136 30.9%
2021 46.63 75th 136 44.9%
2022 58.08 52nd 132 60.6%
2023 44.08 80th 136 41.2%
2024 59.56 51st 132 61.4%
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.

Willow Lake Middle School - 03 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 Willow Lake Middle School - 03

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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 23 23
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 24 24
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 36 36
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 36 36
1993 40 1 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 42
1994 37 1 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 38
1995 42 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 42
1996 42 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 42
1997 39 1 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 40
1998 36 1 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 37
1999 40 1 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 42
2000 34 1 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 36
2001 32 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 32
2002 28 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 29
2003 28 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 29
2004 25 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 25
2005 23 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 25
2006 30 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 32
2007 33 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 35
2008 32 n/a n/a 1 2 n/a n/a 0 35
2009 25 0 0 2 1 n/a n/a 0 28
2010 13 0 0 1 2 n/a n/a 0 16
2011 23 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 26
2012 39 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 42
2013 43 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 44
2014 32 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 34
2015 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20
2016 32 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 37
2017 37 1 0 4 2 0 0 0 44
2018 34 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 39
2019 39 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 41
2020 45 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 48
2021 41 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 44
2022 49 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 54
2023 51 0 0 5 2 0 0 0 58

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 Middle School - 03

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 23 1.7 13.5 n/a
1990 24 2.6 9.2 n/a
1991 36 0.0 0.0 n/a
1992 36 n/a n/a n/a
1993 42 2.8 15.0 n/a
1994 38 2.8 13.6 n/a
1995 42 3.2 13.1 n/a
1996 42 3.2 13.1 n/a
1997 40 2.6 15.4 35
1998 37 2.8 13.2 43.2
1999 42 2.9 14.5 90.5
2000 36 2.7 13.3 52.8
2001 32 3.0 10.7 37.5
2002 29 2.9 10.0 44.8
2003 29 2.9 10.0 44.8
2004 25 3.0 8.3 52
2005 25 2.8 8.9 64
2006 32 2.8 11.4 43.8
2007 35 2.7 13.0 34.3
2008 35 3.1 11.3 40
2009 28 3.5 8.0 53.6
2010 16 2.7 5.9 68.8
2011 26 2.7 9.4 46.2
2012 42 3.5 11.9 35.7
2013 44 3.7 11.6 40.9
2014 34 3.4 9.9 32.4
2015 20 3.0 6.6 40
2016 37 4.0 9.2 37.8
2017 44 3.6 11.9 36.4
2018 39 4.0 9.5 38.5
2019 41 3.7 10.8 41.5
2020 48 3.7 12.7 37.5
2021 44 3.9 11.1 22.7
2022 54 3.8 13.9 5.6
2023 58 3.9 14.6 29.3

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 Middle School - 03

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 23 1.7 13.5 n/a
1990 24 2.6 9.2 n/a
1991 36 0.0 0.0 n/a
1992 36 n/a n/a n/a
1993 42 2.8 15.0 n/a
1994 38 2.8 13.6 n/a
1995 42 3.2 13.1 n/a
1996 42 3.2 13.1 n/a
1997 40 2.6 15.4 35
1998 37 2.8 13.2 43.2
1999 42 2.9 14.5 90.5
2000 36 2.7 13.3 52.8
2001 32 3.0 10.7 37.5
2002 29 2.9 10.0 44.8
2003 29 2.9 10.0 44.8
2004 25 3.0 8.3 52
2005 25 2.8 8.9 64
2006 32 2.8 11.4 43.8
2007 35 2.7 13.0 34.3
2008 35 3.1 11.3 40
2009 28 3.5 8.0 53.6
2010 16 2.7 5.9 68.8
2011 26 2.7 9.4 46.2
2012 42 3.5 11.9 35.7
2013 44 3.7 11.6 40.9
2014 34 3.4 9.9 32.4
2015 20 3.0 6.6 40
2016 37 4.0 9.2 37.8
2017 44 3.6 11.9 36.4
2018 39 4.0 9.5 38.5
2019 41 3.7 10.8 41.5
2020 48 3.7 12.7 37.5
2021 44 3.9 11.1 22.7
2022 54 3.8 13.9 5.6
2023 58 3.9 14.6 29.3

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 Middle School - 03

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2020 $55 (0.7%) $8,247 (99.3%) $8,302
2021 $177 (2.0%) $8,763 (98.0%) $8,940
2022 $143 (1.7%) $8,322 (98.3%) $8,466
2023 $177 (2.1%) $8,194 (97.9%) $8,371

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Willow Lake Middle School - 03

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 98th of 149 Middle schoolsRanks 83rd of 150 Middle schools
 10.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake Middle School - 03)6029.4
 30.6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake School District 12-3)56.321.7
 34.5%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)50.844.6
 6.3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake Middle School - 03)46.729.4
 17.3%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake School District 12-3)43.821.7
 22%
   6th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)41.339.1
 2.2%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake Middle School - 03)41.760
 18.3%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake School District 12-3)53.358.6
 5.3%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)54.150.7
 3.4%
7th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake Middle School - 03)33.348
 14.7%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake School District 12-3)33.344.8
 11.5%
   7th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)45.641.2
 4.4%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake Middle School - 03)62.560
 2.5%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Lake School District 12-3)57.150
 7.1%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (South Dakota)52.148.8
 3.4%
8th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake Middle School - 03)31.326.7
 4.6%
   8th Grade Mathematics (Willow Lake School District 12-3)28.620
 8.6%
   8th Grade Mathematics (South Dakota)43.837.5
 6.3%
8th Grade Science (Willow Lake Middle School - 03)2533.3
 8.3%
   8th Grade Science (Willow Lake School District 12-3)19.130
 11%
   8th Grade Science (South Dakota)41.238.1
 3.1%
All Grades English Language Arts (Willow Lake Middle School - 03)55.850.9
 4.9%
   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 Middle School - 03)37.236.8
 0.4%
   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 Students4158
 41.5%
African American00
American Indian12
 100%
Asian00
Hispanic15
 400%
Pacific Islander00
White3951
 30.8%
Two or More Races00
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients41.5%29.3%
 12.2%

Schools Near Willow Lake Middle School - 03








Frequently Asked Questions about Willow Lake Middle School - 03

Students who attend Willow Lake Middle School - 03 usually go on to attend Willow Lake High School - 01

In the 2022-23 school year, 58 students attended Willow Lake Middle School - 03.

Willow Lake Middle School - 03 ranks 40th of 147 South Dakota middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students at Willow Lake Middle School - 03 are 88% White, 9% Hispanic, 3% American Indian.


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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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