Kandiyohi County Schools & Education
Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
School Score
41/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
75.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
75.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,863
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
41/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#76
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Explore Kandiyohi County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
A Broad Network of Learning Opportunities
Kandiyohi County features a robust educational landscape with 20 public schools serving 6,299 total students. The system is diverse, comprising five elementary, three middle, and five high schools, alongside seven alternative and three special education programs. This infrastructure is managed across four distinct school districts.
Investing Above Average in Local Students
The county spends $8,863 per pupil, which exceeds the Minnesota state average of $8,463. While the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, the high investment level and 49.7 school score indicate a strong focus on providing specialized resources and alternative pathways. This spending remains higher than many neighbors, despite being below the national $13,000 average.
Willmar Public Schools Anchor the Region
The Willmar Public School District is the county's largest, overseeing 12 schools and 4,279 students. New London-Spicer follows with 1,548 students, while one charter school provides an alternative choice, representing 5% of the total school count. These districts provide a comprehensive range of academic and extracurricular options.
Town-Centered Schools with Large Secondary Campuses
With 16 schools located in town settings, the county offers a more centralized educational feel than its rural neighbors. Willmar Senior High is the largest institution with 1,224 students, creating a bustling campus environment. The average school size across the county is 332 students, balancing large-scale facilities with smaller specialized centers.
Finding Your Place in Willmar or New London
Families moving to Kandiyohi County often gravitate toward the well-resourced Willmar and New London-Spicer districts. The variety of school types, including seven alternative programs, ensures that students of all backgrounds find support. Proximity to these regional educational hubs is a key factor for local homebuyers.
School Overview
Total Schools
20
in Kandiyohi County
Total Enrollment
6,299
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
1
5% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Kandiyohi County
WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEW LONDON-SPICER SCHOOL DISTRICT
A.C.G.C. Public School District
TECHNICAL ACADEMIES OF MINNESOTA
20 Public Schools in Kandiyohi County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WILLMAR SENIOR HIGH | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,224 |
| WILLMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 874 |
| KENNEDY ELEMENTARY | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 715 |
| ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 649 |
| PRAIRIE WOODS ELEMENTARY | NEW LONDON-SPICER SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 567 |
| Lakeland Elementary School | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 565 |
| NEW LONDON-SPICER MIDDLE | NEW LONDON-SPICER SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 476 |
| NEW LONDON-SPICER SR. | NEW LONDON-SPICER SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 465 |
| A.C.G.C. ELEMENTARY | A.C.G.C. Public School District | PK–4 | Primary | 344 |
| WILLMAR AREA LEARNING CENTER | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | Alternative | 109 |
| DREAM Technical Academy | TECHNICAL ACADEMIES OF MINNESOTA | 7–12 | Charter | 95 |
| JEFFERSON LEARNING CENTER | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Special Education | 73 |
| Prairie Lakes Education Center | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 4–12 | Alternative | 36 |
| SWWC ELC - Willmar | Region 6 and 8-SW/WC Service Coop | KG–12 | Special Education | 33 |
| Prairie Meadows Learning Center | NEW LONDON-SPICER SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Special Education | 22 |
| Lake Park School | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 4–12 | Alternative | 19 |
| NEW LONDON ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL | NEW LONDON-SPICER SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | Alternative | 18 |
| Middle School ALC | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Alternative | 11 |
| LAKEVIEW SCHOOL | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–12 | Alternative | 4 |
| Greater Minnesota Education Center | WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 3–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,863
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota?
Kandiyohi County features a robust educational landscape with 20 public schools serving 6,299 total students. The system is diverse, comprising five elementary, three middle, and five high schools, alongside seven alternative and three special education programs. This infrastructure is managed across four distinct school districts.
How do schools in Kandiyohi County perform academically?
The county spends $8,863 per pupil, which exceeds the Minnesota state average of $8,463. While the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, the high investment level and 49.7 school score indicate a strong focus on providing specialized resources and alternative pathways. This spending remains higher than many neighbors, despite being below the national $13,000 average.
What are the major school districts in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota?
The Willmar Public School District is the county's largest, overseeing 12 schools and 4,279 students. New London-Spicer follows with 1,548 students, while one charter school provides an alternative choice, representing 5% of the total school count. These districts provide a comprehensive range of academic and extracurricular options.
What is the school experience like in Kandiyohi County?
With 16 schools located in town settings, the county offers a more centralized educational feel than its rural neighbors. Willmar Senior High is the largest institution with 1,224 students, creating a bustling campus environment. The average school size across the county is 332 students, balancing large-scale facilities with smaller specialized centers.
How can I find homes near good schools in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota?
Families moving to Kandiyohi County often gravitate toward the well-resourced Willmar and New London-Spicer districts. The variety of school types, including seven alternative programs, ensures that students of all backgrounds find support. Proximity to these regional educational hubs is a key factor for local homebuyers.
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.