Sibley County Schools & Education
Sibley County, Minnesota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
43/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
81.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
81.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,579
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
43/100
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
#73
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Sibley County
School Verdict
Sibley County has average school quality (score: 43/100) with a graduation rate of 81.6%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
Sibley County spends $8,579 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 Sibley County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 22% below the Minnesota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 5.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 1% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Sibley County, Minnesota
A Rural Network with Significant Charter Choice
Sibley County's educational landscape consists of 11 public schools across 5 districts, serving 2,165 students. The system includes 5 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high schools, all located in rural settings. Notably, 36.4% of the county's schools are charter institutions, providing high levels of choice in a small community.
Investment Focused on Rural Success
Sibley County invests $8,579 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Minnesota state average of $8,463. The graduation rate of 81.6% is lower than the state's 86.6% average, suggesting a focus on improving long-term outcomes. The school score of 52.5 reflects the challenges and opportunities present in this rural district network.
Sibley East and GFW Lead the County
The Sibley East School District is the largest provider, with 1,078 students enrolled across its 3 schools. GFW Public Schools follows with 600 students, while the Minnesota New Country School serves as a prominent charter option with 213 students. Four charter schools in total offer families alternative educational models outside of traditional districts.
Small, Rural, and Community-Focused
Education in Sibley County is entirely rural, with an average school size of only 197 students. Sibley East-Gaylord Elementary is the largest facility with 469 students, while several smaller schools offer even more intimate settings. Attending school here feels like a true community experience where students and teachers are closely connected.
Discover Rural Living and Educational Choice
If you value small class sizes and a high degree of school choice, Sibley County is a strong contender. The high concentration of charter schools provides unique options that are rare in most rural counties. Explore homes in Gaylord and Arlington to find a community that prioritizes personal student attention.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in Sibley County
Total Enrollment
2,165
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
4
36% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Sibley County
SIBLEY EAST SCHOOL DISTRICT
GFW Public Schools
Minnesota New Country School
EDVISIONS OFF CAMPUS SCHOOL
GREEN ISLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL
11 Public Schools in Sibley County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIBLEY EAST-GAYLORD ELEMENTARY | SIBLEY EAST SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 469 |
| SIBLEY EAST-ARLINGTON SENIOR HIGH | SIBLEY EAST SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 356 |
| Sibley East Middle School | SIBLEY EAST SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 253 |
| GFW High School | GFW Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 214 |
| GFW Elementary School | GFW Public Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 199 |
| GFW Middle School | GFW Public Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 187 |
| MINNESOTA NEW COUNTRY SCHOOL | Minnesota New Country School | 7–12 | Charter | 135 |
| HILLTOP ELEMENTARY | LE SUEUR-HENDERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT | 4–5 | Primary | 115 |
| EDVISIONS OFF CAMPUS SCHOOL | EDVISIONS OFF CAMPUS SCHOOL | 7–12 | Charter | 112 |
| Minnesota New Country Elementary | Minnesota New Country School | KG–6 | Charter | 78 |
| GREEN ISLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL | GREEN ISLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL | KG–6 | Charter | 47 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,579
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Sibley County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Sibley County?
How much does Sibley County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Sibley County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Sibley County, Minnesota?
Sibley County's educational landscape consists of 11 public schools across 5 districts, serving 2,165 students. The system includes 5 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high schools, all located in rural settings. Notably, 36.4% of the county's schools are charter institutions, providing high levels of choice in a small community.
How do schools in Sibley County perform academically?
Sibley County invests $8,579 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Minnesota state average of $8,463. The graduation rate of 81.6% is lower than the state's 86.6% average, suggesting a focus on improving long-term outcomes. The school score of 52.5 reflects the challenges and opportunities present in this rural district network.
What are the major school districts in Sibley County, Minnesota?
The Sibley East School District is the largest provider, with 1,078 students enrolled across its 3 schools. GFW Public Schools follows with 600 students, while the Minnesota New Country School serves as a prominent charter option with 213 students. Four charter schools in total offer families alternative educational models outside of traditional districts.
What is the school experience like in Sibley County?
Education in Sibley County is entirely rural, with an average school size of only 197 students. Sibley East-Gaylord Elementary is the largest facility with 469 students, while several smaller schools offer even more intimate settings. Attending school here feels like a true community experience where students and teachers are closely connected.
How can I find homes near good schools in Sibley County, Minnesota?
If you value small class sizes and a high degree of school choice, Sibley County is a strong contender. The high concentration of charter schools provides unique options that are rare in most rural counties. Explore homes in Gaylord and Arlington to find a community that prioritizes personal student attention.
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.