Wadena County Schools & Education
Wadena County, Minnesota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
78.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
78.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,234
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
38/100
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
#79
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Wadena County
School Verdict
Wadena County faces educational challenges with a school score of 38/100 and a graduation rate of 78.6%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
Wadena County spends $8,234 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 Wadena County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 31% below the Minnesota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 8.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 3% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Wadena County, Minnesota
Wadena County’s Diverse Education Landscape
Wadena County supports 14 public schools across 5 districts, serving a student population of 3,221. The system includes 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 6 high schools, alongside 3 specialized educational facilities. This network provides coverage for students across the county’s largely rural terrain.
Investing in the Next Generation
The county spends $8,234 per pupil, which is close to the Minnesota state average of $8,463. While the graduation rate currently sits at 78.6%, the county maintains a school score of 50.2, which is in line with the national median. Local leaders continue to focus on improving outcomes through these targeted investments.
Spotlight on Wadena-Deer Creek Schools
The Wadena-Deer Creek School District is the largest provider in the county, serving 1,088 students. Menahga Public School District is also a significant player, educating nearly 1,000 students. There are no charter schools in Wadena County, as the existing five districts manage all public enrollment.
A Predominantly Rural Learning Experience
With 13 of its 14 schools located in rural settings, Wadena County offers a classic countryside education. Menahga Elementary is the largest school with 681 students, but the overall average school size remains small at 230. This rural focus creates a tight-knit and supportive environment for local learners.
Discover a Home in Wadena County
Families seeking a rural lifestyle with strong community roots will find Wadena County very appealing. Living near the Wadena-Deer Creek or Menahga schools ensures your children are part of a school system that is the heart of the community. Explore the area today to find a home that fits your educational priorities.
School Overview
Total Schools
14
in Wadena County
Total Enrollment
3,221
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Wadena County
WADENA-DEER CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT
MENAHGA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
VERNDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEBEKA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Freshwater Education District
14 Public Schools in Wadena County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENAHGA ELEMENTARY | MENAHGA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–8 | Primary | 681 |
| WADENA-DEER CREEK SENIOR HIGH | WADENA-DEER CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 469 |
| WADENA-DEER CREEK ELEMENTARY | WADENA-DEER CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 449 |
| MENAHGA HIGH SCHOOL | MENAHGA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 283 |
| VERNDALE ELEMENTARY | VERNDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 263 |
| SEBEKA SECONDARY | SEBEKA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 258 |
| VERNDALE SECONDARY | VERNDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 245 |
| SEBEKA ELEMENTARY | SEBEKA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 215 |
| WADENA-DEER CREEK 5TH AND 6TH GRADE | WADENA-DEER CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–6 | Middle | 170 |
| Freshwater Education District ALC | Freshwater Education District | 6–12 | Alternative | 88 |
| EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION | Freshwater Education District | PK | Special Education | 57 |
| LEAF RIVER ACADEMY | Freshwater Education District | KG–12 | Special Education | 24 |
| White Pine Academy | Freshwater Education District | 5–12 | Special Education | 12 |
| Elm Tree Academy | Freshwater Education District | 2–12 | Special Education | 7 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,234
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Wadena County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Wadena County?
How much does Wadena County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Wadena County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Wadena County, Minnesota?
Wadena County supports 14 public schools across 5 districts, serving a student population of 3,221. The system includes 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 6 high schools, alongside 3 specialized educational facilities. This network provides coverage for students across the county’s largely rural terrain.
How do schools in Wadena County perform academically?
The county spends $8,234 per pupil, which is close to the Minnesota state average of $8,463. While the graduation rate currently sits at 78.6%, the county maintains a school score of 50.2, which is in line with the national median. Local leaders continue to focus on improving outcomes through these targeted investments.
What are the major school districts in Wadena County, Minnesota?
The Wadena-Deer Creek School District is the largest provider in the county, serving 1,088 students. Menahga Public School District is also a significant player, educating nearly 1,000 students. There are no charter schools in Wadena County, as the existing five districts manage all public enrollment.
What is the school experience like in Wadena County?
With 13 of its 14 schools located in rural settings, Wadena County offers a classic countryside education. Menahga Elementary is the largest school with 681 students, but the overall average school size remains small at 230. This rural focus creates a tight-knit and supportive environment for local learners.
How can I find homes near good schools in Wadena County, Minnesota?
Families seeking a rural lifestyle with strong community roots will find Wadena County very appealing. Living near the Wadena-Deer Creek or Menahga schools ensures your children are part of a school system that is the heart of the community. Explore the area today to find a home that fits your educational priorities.
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.