Mower County Schools & Education
Mower County, Minnesota
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
82.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,025
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#58
of 87 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Mower County, Minnesota
Expansive Education Infrastructure in Southern Minnesota
Mower County operates 33 public schools serving 6,714 students across seven different districts. The landscape includes nine elementary schools and nine high schools, supported by a significant number of specialized and alternative programs.
High Investment with Room to Grow
Per-pupil expenditure in Mower County reaches $9,025, significantly exceeding the Minnesota state average of $8,463. Although the 82.6% graduation rate trails the national average, the county maintains a solid school score of 54.0, nearly matching the state benchmark.
Austin Public Schools Drives Enrollment
The Austin Public School District is the largest provider by far, managing 14 schools and 5,120 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the landscape here, as there are no charter schools currently serving the county's student population.
A Balance of Town and Rural Learning
Education is split between 18 rural and 15 town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 232 students per building. Austin Senior High stands out as the largest campus with 1,345 students, providing a more urban high school experience compared to the smaller outlying districts.
Secure Your Future in the Austin School District
Home buyers often prioritize the Austin area for its robust school infrastructure and higher-than-average per-pupil spending. Exploring neighborhoods near I.J. Holton or Southgate Elementary provides families with convenient access to some of the county's most established campuses.
School Overview
Total Schools
33
in Mower County
Total Enrollment
6,714
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Mower County
AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
SOUTHLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
GRAND MEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
LYLE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
LEROY-OSTRANDER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SOUTHERN MN EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
Austin Albert Lea Area Special Educ
33 Public Schools in Mower County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUSTIN SENIOR HIGH | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,345 |
| I.J. HOLTON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–6 | Middle | 741 |
| ELLIS MIDDLE | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–8 | Middle | 720 |
| SOUTHGATE ELEMENTARY | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 1–4 | Primary | 496 |
| BANFIELD ELEMENTARY | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 1–4 | Primary | 461 |
| WOODSON KINDERGARTEN CENTER | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–KG | Primary | 352 |
| NEVELN ELEMENTARY | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 1–4 | Primary | 339 |
| SUMNER ELEMENTARY | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 1–4 | Primary | 325 |
| AUSTIN AREA LEARNING CENTER | AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | Alternative | 240 |
| GRAND MEADOW ELEMENTARY | GRAND MEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 173 |
| SOUTHLAND ELEMENTARY | SOUTHLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 172 |
| SOUTHLAND SENIOR HIGH | SOUTHLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 167 |
| GRAND MEADOW SENIOR HIGH | GRAND MEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 139 |
| LEROY SECONDARY | LEROY-OSTRANDER PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–12 | High | 138 |
| GRAND MEADOW MIDDLE | GRAND MEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 133 |
| LYLE ELEMENTARY | LYLE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 122 |
| LEROY ELEMENTARY | LEROY-OSTRANDER PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 120 |
| SOUTHLAND MIDDLE | SOUTHLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 109 |
| Lyle Middle | LYLE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 101 |
| Lyle High School | LYLE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 82 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,025
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Mower County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Mower County, Minnesota?
Mower County operates 33 public schools serving 6,714 students across seven different districts. The landscape includes nine elementary schools and nine high schools, supported by a significant number of specialized and alternative programs.
How do schools in Mower County perform academically?
Per-pupil expenditure in Mower County reaches $9,025, significantly exceeding the Minnesota state average of $8,463. Although the 82.6% graduation rate trails the national average, the county maintains a solid school score of 54.0, nearly matching the state benchmark.
What are the major school districts in Mower County, Minnesota?
The Austin Public School District is the largest provider by far, managing 14 schools and 5,120 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the landscape here, as there are no charter schools currently serving the county's student population.
What is the school experience like in Mower County?
Education is split between 18 rural and 15 town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 232 students per building. Austin Senior High stands out as the largest campus with 1,345 students, providing a more urban high school experience compared to the smaller outlying districts.
How can I find homes near good schools in Mower County, Minnesota?
Home buyers often prioritize the Austin area for its robust school infrastructure and higher-than-average per-pupil spending. Exploring neighborhoods near I.J. Holton or Southgate Elementary provides families with convenient access to some of the county's most established campuses.
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.