Watonwan County Schools & Education
Watonwan County, Minnesota
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
35/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
77.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
77.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,930
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
35/100
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
#86
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Watonwan County
School Verdict
Watonwan County faces educational challenges with a school score of 35/100 and a graduation rate of 77.1%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,930 per pupil, Watonwan County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Watonwan County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 37% below the Minnesota average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 9.5 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 6% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Watonwan County, Minnesota
Small-Scale Learning in Southern Minnesota
Watonwan County features a compact school system with just eight public schools serving 1,954 students. The county's education is managed by three districts, providing three elementary and three high schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing resources on traditional district models.
Focusing on Student Success Metrics
The graduation rate in Watonwan County stands at 77.1%, trailing the Minnesota state average of 86.6%. The county spends $7,930 per pupil, which is below both the state and national expenditure levels. Improving these outcomes remains a priority for the local school score, which currently measures 48.7.
The St. James Public School District
The St. James Public School District is the county's primary educator, serving 1,107 students across four schools. Madelia Public School District also plays a vital role, supporting 620 students in the eastern part of the county. These districts maintain a strong local presence with no alternative charter options currently available.
A Rural and Town Educational Mix
The school landscape is evenly split between rural settings and town centers, with four schools in each locale. The average school size is modest at 244 students, though St. James Middle/High School is the largest with 551 students. Attending school here means being part of a close-knit community where every student is known.
Build a Life in St. James or Madelia
For families looking for a quiet, community-focused lifestyle, Watonwan County offers schools with very small class sizes. Buying a home here allows for a direct connection to local educators and school traditions. Explore available properties near St. James Northside Elementary to plant roots in this southern Minnesota region.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Watonwan County
Total Enrollment
1,954
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Watonwan County
ST. JAMES PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
MADELIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Butterfield-Odin Public Schools
8 Public Schools in Watonwan County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. James Middle/High School | ST. JAMES PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | High | 551 |
| ST. JAMES NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY | ST. JAMES PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 480 |
| MADELIA ELEMENTARY | MADELIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 348 |
| MADELIA SECONDARY | MADELIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 272 |
| BUTTERFIELD ELEMENTARY | Butterfield-Odin Public Schools | PK–6 | Primary | 116 |
| BUTTERFIELD SECONDARY | Butterfield-Odin Public Schools | 7–12 | High | 111 |
| Armstrong School | ST. JAMES PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Other | 66 |
| ST. JAMES EARLY CHILDHOOD | ST. JAMES PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Special Education | 10 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,930
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Watonwan County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Watonwan County?
How much does Watonwan County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Watonwan County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Watonwan County, Minnesota?
Watonwan County features a compact school system with just eight public schools serving 1,954 students. The county's education is managed by three districts, providing three elementary and three high schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing resources on traditional district models.
How do schools in Watonwan County perform academically?
The graduation rate in Watonwan County stands at 77.1%, trailing the Minnesota state average of 86.6%. The county spends $7,930 per pupil, which is below both the state and national expenditure levels. Improving these outcomes remains a priority for the local school score, which currently measures 48.7.
What are the major school districts in Watonwan County, Minnesota?
The St. James Public School District is the county's primary educator, serving 1,107 students across four schools. Madelia Public School District also plays a vital role, supporting 620 students in the eastern part of the county. These districts maintain a strong local presence with no alternative charter options currently available.
What is the school experience like in Watonwan County?
The school landscape is evenly split between rural settings and town centers, with four schools in each locale. The average school size is modest at 244 students, though St. James Middle/High School is the largest with 551 students. Attending school here means being part of a close-knit community where every student is known.
How can I find homes near good schools in Watonwan County, Minnesota?
For families looking for a quiet, community-focused lifestyle, Watonwan County offers schools with very small class sizes. Buying a home here allows for a direct connection to local educators and school traditions. Explore available properties near St. James Northside Elementary to plant roots in this southern Minnesota region.
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.