Houston County Schools & Education
Houston County, Minnesota
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
70.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
70.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,726
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#78
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Explore Houston County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Houston County, Minnesota
Virtual and Physical School Options
Houston County hosts 18 public schools across five districts, serving a total of 4,330 students. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary, 3 middle, and 8 high schools. A unique aspect of this county is its significant virtual school presence, which reshapes the traditional enrollment landscape.
Performance Challenges and Spending
Houston County's graduation rate currently sits at 70.4%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 86.6%. The county spends $8,726 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average in an effort to improve outcomes. Its composite school score of 46.9 reflects the need for continued focus on academic growth.
A Hub for Virtual Education
The Houston Public School District is the largest in the county with 2,115 students, primarily due to hosting the Minnesota Virtual Academy. The La Crescent-Hokah district also provides a substantial footprint, educating 1,028 students. Two charter schools operate within the county, accounting for 11.1% of all school facilities.
Rural Roots with Digital Reach
While 11 schools are located in rural areas, the county's largest "campuses" are the virtual programs, with the Virtual Academy High School serving 814 students. Traditional local schools maintain an average size of 255 students. This creates a dual character where many students learn from home while others attend small rural or suburban sites.
Flexible Schooling in a Scenic Setting
Houston County is an excellent fit for families who value flexible education models, especially virtual learning. Those preferring traditional settings will find community-focused schools in La Crescent or Caledonia. Consider the diverse mix of physical and digital classrooms when looking for your new home here.
School Overview
Total Schools
18
in Houston County
Total Enrollment
4,330
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
2
11% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Houston County
HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
LA CRESCENT-HOKAH SCHOOL DISTRICT
CALEDONIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPRING GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT
La Crescent Montessori & STEM Schoo
18 Public Schools in Houston County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Virtual Academy High | HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 814 |
| Minnesota Virtual Academy Elementar | HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 451 |
| Minnesota Virtual Academy Middle | HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 403 |
| LA CRESCENT SENIOR HIGH | LA CRESCENT-HOKAH SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 381 |
| LA CRESCENT-HOKAH ELEMENTARY | LA CRESCENT-HOKAH SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 355 |
| CALEDONIA SENIOR HIGH | CALEDONIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 295 |
| LA CRESCENT-HOKAH MIDDLE SCHOOL | LA CRESCENT-HOKAH SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 292 |
| CALEDONIA ELEMENTARY | CALEDONIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 288 |
| HOUSTON ELEMENTARY | HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 222 |
| HOUSTON SECONDARY | HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 211 |
| SPRING GROVE ELEMENTARY | SPRING GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 195 |
| SPRING GROVE SECONDARY | SPRING GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 157 |
| CALEDONIA MIDDLE | CALEDONIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 147 |
| La Crescent Montessori & STEM Acad | La Crescent Montessori & STEM Schoo | KG–6 | Charter | 48 |
| La Crescent Sec Montessori/STEM | La Crescent Montessori & STEM Schoo | 7–12 | Charter | 43 |
| HVED Spectrum Program | Hiawatha Valley Education District | PK–12 | Special Education | 14 |
| SUMMIT LEARNING PROGRAM | HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | Alternative | 14 |
| LaCrescent Gr 9-12 | WINONA AREA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,726
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Houston County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Houston County, Minnesota?
Houston County hosts 18 public schools across five districts, serving a total of 4,330 students. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary, 3 middle, and 8 high schools. A unique aspect of this county is its significant virtual school presence, which reshapes the traditional enrollment landscape.
How do schools in Houston County perform academically?
Houston County's graduation rate currently sits at 70.4%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 86.6%. The county spends $8,726 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average in an effort to improve outcomes. Its composite school score of 46.9 reflects the need for continued focus on academic growth.
What are the major school districts in Houston County, Minnesota?
The Houston Public School District is the largest in the county with 2,115 students, primarily due to hosting the Minnesota Virtual Academy. The La Crescent-Hokah district also provides a substantial footprint, educating 1,028 students. Two charter schools operate within the county, accounting for 11.1% of all school facilities.
What is the school experience like in Houston County?
While 11 schools are located in rural areas, the county's largest "campuses" are the virtual programs, with the Virtual Academy High School serving 814 students. Traditional local schools maintain an average size of 255 students. This creates a dual character where many students learn from home while others attend small rural or suburban sites.
How can I find homes near good schools in Houston County, Minnesota?
Houston County is an excellent fit for families who value flexible education models, especially virtual learning. Those preferring traditional settings will find community-focused schools in La Crescent or Caledonia. Consider the diverse mix of physical and digital classrooms when looking for your new home here.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.