McLeod County Schools & Education
McLeod County, Minnesota
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
81.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
81.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,893
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#82
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Explore McLeod County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in McLeod County, Minnesota
Robust School Network in McLeod County
McLeod County manages a large network of 22 public schools serving 5,288 students across five districts. This infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, eight high schools, four middle schools, and six alternative programs.
Lower Spending and Competitive Scores
The graduation rate sits at 81.8%, which is lower than the state's 86.6% average. Per-pupil expenditure is also more conservative at $7,893, though the county maintains a respectable school score of 51.1.
Hutchinson Public Schools Leads the Way
Hutchinson Public School District is the clear leader with 10 schools and 2,765 students, representing over half the county's enrollment. The county also offers school choice through two charter schools, which make up about 9% of the total school count.
A Distinctive Town-Centered Feel
Unlike many neighboring counties, 15 of McLeod's 22 schools are located in town settings, creating a more centralized academic environment. Hutchinson Senior High is the largest campus with 908 students, while the average across all schools is 252 students.
Connect With Centralized Town Schools
McLeod County is ideal for families who prefer town-based schooling over isolated rural campuses. Start your home search in Hutchinson or Glencoe to enjoy the benefits of these established district hubs.
School Overview
Total Schools
22
in McLeod County
Total Enrollment
5,288
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
2
9% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in McLeod County
HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT
LESTER PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST.
NEW DISCOVERIES MONTESSORI ACADEMY
New Century Academy
22 Public Schools in McLeod County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUTCHINSON SENIOR HIGH | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 908 |
| HUTCHINSON MIDDLE | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 565 |
| GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE SENIOR HIGH | GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 496 |
| HUTCHINSON WEST ELEMENTARY | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–1 | Primary | 426 |
| LAKESIDE ELEMENTARY | GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 3–6 | Primary | 399 |
| HUTCHINSON PARK ELEMENTARY | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 4–5 | Primary | 381 |
| Hutchinson Tiger Elementary | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 2–3 | Primary | 369 |
| Lincoln Elementary | GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–2 | Primary | 329 |
| LESTER PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY | LESTER PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST. | PK–6 | Primary | 248 |
| LESTER PRAIRIE SECONDARY | LESTER PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST. | 7–12 | High | 239 |
| NEW DISCOVERIES MONTESSORI ACADEMY | NEW DISCOVERIES MONTESSORI ACADEMY | PK–8 | Charter | 237 |
| GSL Junior High School | GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–8 | Middle | 222 |
| WINSTED ELEMENTARY | HOWARD LAKE-WAVERLY-WINSTED | PK–4 | Primary | 192 |
| New Century Academy | New Century Academy | 6–12 | Charter | 117 |
| HUTCHINSON MIDDLE SCHOOL A.L.C. | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Alternative | 66 |
| SWWC Alternative Learning Center - | Region 6 and 8-SW/WC Service Coop | 9–12 | Alternative | 23 |
| HOWARD LAKE WAVERLY WINSTED ECSE | HOWARD LAKE-WAVERLY-WINSTED | PK | Special Education | 21 |
| CROW RIVER AREA LEARNING CENTER | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | Alternative | 20 |
| HUTCHINSON TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PG | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 12 | Special Education | 20 |
| CORNERSTONE | HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–12 | Alternative | 9 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,893
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in McLeod County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in McLeod County, Minnesota?
McLeod County manages a large network of 22 public schools serving 5,288 students across five districts. This infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, eight high schools, four middle schools, and six alternative programs.
How do schools in McLeod County perform academically?
The graduation rate sits at 81.8%, which is lower than the state's 86.6% average. Per-pupil expenditure is also more conservative at $7,893, though the county maintains a respectable school score of 51.1.
What are the major school districts in McLeod County, Minnesota?
Hutchinson Public School District is the clear leader with 10 schools and 2,765 students, representing over half the county's enrollment. The county also offers school choice through two charter schools, which make up about 9% of the total school count.
What is the school experience like in McLeod County?
Unlike many neighboring counties, 15 of McLeod's 22 schools are located in town settings, creating a more centralized academic environment. Hutchinson Senior High is the largest campus with 908 students, while the average across all schools is 252 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in McLeod County, Minnesota?
McLeod County is ideal for families who prefer town-based schooling over isolated rural campuses. Start your home search in Hutchinson or Glencoe to enjoy the benefits of these established district hubs.
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.