Pine County Schools & Education
Pine County, Minnesota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
44/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
80.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
80.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,847
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
44/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#70
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Pine County
School Verdict
Pine County has average school quality (score: 44/100) with a graduation rate of 80.0%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
Pine County spends $8,847 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Pine County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 21% below the Minnesota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 6.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 5% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Pine County, Minnesota
Broad Reach Across Seventeen Pine County Schools
Pine County supports 3,817 students across 17 public schools, including nine high schools and six elementary schools. This network is organized into four distinct districts that serve a predominantly rural population.
Strong Investment Despite Graduation Challenges
The county invests $8,847 per pupil, which exceeds the Minnesota state average of $8,463. However, the graduation rate of 80.0% trails the state average of 86.6%, suggesting a need for continued focus on student retention and completion.
Pine City Public Schools Drive Enrollment
The Pine City Public School District is the largest in the area, serving 1,586 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Hinckley-Finlayson and East Central, which together manage nine of the county's seventeen campuses.
Rural Identity with Specialized Facilities
With 13 of 17 schools located in rural settings, the average school size stays relatively small at 254 students. While Pine City Elementary hosts 840 students, the county also maintains three alternative schools and three special education facilities to meet diverse needs.
Find Your Home in a Rural District
Homebuyers seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle will find varied educational options within Pine County's expansive districts. Proximity to the county's well-funded elementary and secondary schools remains a top priority for local families.
School Overview
Total Schools
17
in Pine County
Total Enrollment
3,817
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Pine County
PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON SCHOOL DISTRICT
EAST CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
WILLOW RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
17 Public Schools in Pine County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PINE CITY ELEMENTARY | PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 840 |
| PINE CITY SECONDARY | PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 701 |
| HINCKLEY ELEMENTARY | HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 493 |
| HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON SECONDARY | HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 448 |
| EAST CENTRAL ELEMENTARY | EAST CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 400 |
| EAST CENTRAL SENIOR SECONDARY | EAST CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 323 |
| WILLOW RIVER ELEMENTARY | WILLOW RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 218 |
| WILLOW RIVER SECONDARY | WILLOW RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 195 |
| CROSSROADS AREA LEARNING CENTER | EAST CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | Alternative | 54 |
| FINLAYSON ELEMENTARY | HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 52 |
| PINE CITY AREA LEARNING CENTER | PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | Alternative | 36 |
| Vision | ST. CROIX RIVER EDUCATION DISTRICT | KG–12 | Special Education | 20 |
| Empower Learning Center | HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON SCHOOL DISTRICT | 10–12 | Alternative | 17 |
| Pine County Transition Program | ST. CROIX RIVER EDUCATION DISTRICT | 9–12 | Special Education | 11 |
| EARLY CHILDHOOD | PINE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Other | 9 |
| East Central Early Childhood | EAST CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–KG | Primary | 0 |
| Pine County Transition Program | HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON SCHOOL DISTRICT | 12 | Special Education | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,847
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Pine County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Pine County?
How much does Pine County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Pine County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Pine County, Minnesota?
Pine County supports 3,817 students across 17 public schools, including nine high schools and six elementary schools. This network is organized into four distinct districts that serve a predominantly rural population.
How do schools in Pine County perform academically?
The county invests $8,847 per pupil, which exceeds the Minnesota state average of $8,463. However, the graduation rate of 80.0% trails the state average of 86.6%, suggesting a need for continued focus on student retention and completion.
What are the major school districts in Pine County, Minnesota?
The Pine City Public School District is the largest in the area, serving 1,586 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Hinckley-Finlayson and East Central, which together manage nine of the county's seventeen campuses.
What is the school experience like in Pine County?
With 13 of 17 schools located in rural settings, the average school size stays relatively small at 254 students. While Pine City Elementary hosts 840 students, the county also maintains three alternative schools and three special education facilities to meet diverse needs.
How can I find homes near good schools in Pine County, Minnesota?
Homebuyers seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle will find varied educational options within Pine County's expansive districts. Proximity to the county's well-funded elementary and secondary schools remains a top priority for local families.
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.