Wounded Knee District School

Wounded Knee District School is a cozy elementary school in Manderson, South Dakota, part of Wounded Knee District School. The school educates 146 students in grades K through 8. Compared to the state average of about 204 students per school, that is 28% leaner than typical.

Wounded Knee District School sits inside Wounded Knee District School, the local public-school operator responsible for the campus.

On the student-mix side, Wounded Knee District School lists that nearly all students (100%) are Native American.

On the resource side, The school reports having 14 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 10.4:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 15.4:1, putting Wounded Knee District School tighter than the state norm the norm. Roughly 98% of students at Wounded Knee District School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment.

In the broader community, the surrounding county (Oglala Lakota County) reports that median household earnings sit near $41,417, 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 54%. Across Oglala Lakota County's 11 public schools (combined enrollment of about 3,656 students), Wounded Knee District School is one campus in the mix.

The closest other public school is Pahin Sinte Owayawa, roughly 7.0 miles away.

Wounded Knee District School operates from a countryside location.

Looking at the recent track record. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Wounded Knee District School has fell 24%, going from 192 students in 2018 to 146 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, the feed for Wounded Knee District School typically covers pickup logistics, teacher feedback, and after-school programs. The community welcomes input from current and former families.