About Northwestern Area School District

Northwestern Area School District, located in Mellette, S.D., provides a friendly, small-school atmosphere to 270 students in grades K-12 in the community.  Students receive a top-notch education with highly regarded academic programs and extracurricular activities.

Academically, Northwestern offers Advanced Placement courses in English Literature, English Language, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, and U.S. History.  In addition to the core curriculum, students take elective courses in art, business, Spanish, music, industrial technology and wellness.  Students enjoy one-on-one attention with staff members, while they also have the opportunity to take classes online, through the DDN system and at the Hub Area Technical School. 

Nearly every classroom has a mounted, wireless LCD projector and laptops.  With three stationary computer labs and three wireless labs, Northwestern boasts a student-to-computer ratio of 1:1.5.

Organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, Drama Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and Journalism provide students with additional learning opportunities outside the classroom.  FBLA advances several students to the national convention each year.  Drama Club members participate in oral interpretation, contest play and spring play.  FCA meets weekly.  The Journalism class produces the award-winning yearbook and newspaper.  The Student Council organizes all homecoming festivities and operates a snack machine for student use.  The screen-printing business run by the students encompasses both the art and business programs to make high-quality Northwestern School apparel for students and community members.

Athletically, Northwestern has played in 19 state championships, bringing home 10 state titles.  Northwestern possesses a strong tradition in football, volleyball, basketball and track and field.  Northwestern athletes work out in a facility that features two gymnasiums, a weight room, a cardio room and a football field that features a concession stand with skybox seating.

A consolidated school district, Northwestern provides educational services to the towns of Ashton, Athol, Brentford, Chelsea, Cresbard, Mansfield, Mellette and Northville. Northwestern recently added Hutterville Colony School to its district and warmly welcomes Conde next year. With tremendous support from parents, staff, patrons, the Booster Club, the Northwestern Community Foundation and the Plains Lions Club, Northwestern students receive a first-rate education and are the pride of their community.

• State Reports
• School Board Information