McLean County Schools & Education
McLean County, North Dakota
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
81.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
81.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 84.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,923
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,385
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
State avg 54/100
State School Rank
#48
of 53 counties (1 = best)
Explore McLean County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in McLean County, North Dakota
Broad Educational Reach Across Seven Districts
McLean County supports 1,738 students through a network of 14 public schools managed by 7 different districts. The county maintains an equal balance between 7 elementary and 7 high school facilities. This distributed system ensures that students in every corner of the county have local access to education.
Focusing on Student Success and Efficiency
McLean County spends $7,923 per pupil, which is notably lower than both the state average of $9,385 and the national average of $13,000. The graduation rate of 81.7% trails the state average of 84.8%, while the composite school score of 51.2 reflects a need for continued investment. These metrics highlight a system working to maintain standards with lean resources.
Garrison and Wilton Anchor the County
Garrison 51 is the largest district, educating 388 students, followed by Wilton 1 with 278 students. These districts provide the core of the county's secondary education alongside five other smaller districts. The county does not host any charter schools, relying instead on its diverse array of seven traditional public districts.
Classic Rural Education Across 14 Campuses
The county's schools are entirely rural, with an average enrollment of 124 students per school. Bob Callies Elementary is the largest school, serving 226 students in Garrison, while several high schools offer even smaller, more intimate learning environments. This rural setting provides a traditional North Dakota school experience for all residents.
Roots Run Deep in McLean County
Families seeking a community where the school is the heart of town will find McLean County an attractive option. Homes in Garrison or Wilton offer proximity to the county's largest and most established educational programs. Evaluate the local school district's commitment to community as you plan your family's next move.
School Overview
Total Schools
14
in McLean County
Total Enrollment
1,738
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in McLean County
GARRISON 51
WASHBURN 4
WILTON 1
UNDERWOOD 8
WHITE SHIELD 85
TURTLE LAKE-MERCER 72
MAX 50
14 Public Schools in McLean County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOB CALLIES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | GARRISON 51 | PK–6 | Primary | 226 |
| WASHBURN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | WASHBURN 4 | PK–6 | Primary | 199 |
| WILTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | WILTON 1 | PK–6 | Primary | 165 |
| GARRISON HIGH SCHOOL | GARRISON 51 | 7–12 | High | 162 |
| WHITE SHIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | WHITE SHIELD 85 | KG–8 | Primary | 137 |
| WASHBURN HIGH SCHOOL | WASHBURN 4 | 7–12 | High | 136 |
| UNDERWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | UNDERWOOD 8 | PK–6 | Primary | 121 |
| WILTON HIGH SCHOOL | WILTON 1 | 7–12 | High | 113 |
| TURTLE LAKE-MERCER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | TURTLE LAKE-MERCER 72 | PK–6 | Primary | 105 |
| UNDERWOOD HIGH SCHOOL | UNDERWOOD 8 | 7–12 | High | 98 |
| MAX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | MAX 50 | PK–6 | Primary | 82 |
| MAX HIGH SCHOOL | MAX 50 | 7–12 | High | 73 |
| TURTLE LAKE-MERCER HIGH SCHOOL | TURTLE LAKE-MERCER 72 | 7–12 | High | 70 |
| WHITE SHIELD HIGH SCHOOL | WHITE SHIELD 85 | 9–12 | High | 51 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,923
State avg $9,385
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in McLean County, North Dakota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in McLean County, North Dakota?
McLean County supports 1,738 students through a network of 14 public schools managed by 7 different districts. The county maintains an equal balance between 7 elementary and 7 high school facilities. This distributed system ensures that students in every corner of the county have local access to education.
How do schools in McLean County perform academically?
McLean County spends $7,923 per pupil, which is notably lower than both the state average of $9,385 and the national average of $13,000. The graduation rate of 81.7% trails the state average of 84.8%, while the composite school score of 51.2 reflects a need for continued investment. These metrics highlight a system working to maintain standards with lean resources.
What are the major school districts in McLean County, North Dakota?
Garrison 51 is the largest district, educating 388 students, followed by Wilton 1 with 278 students. These districts provide the core of the county's secondary education alongside five other smaller districts. The county does not host any charter schools, relying instead on its diverse array of seven traditional public districts.
What is the school experience like in McLean County?
The county's schools are entirely rural, with an average enrollment of 124 students per school. Bob Callies Elementary is the largest school, serving 226 students in Garrison, while several high schools offer even smaller, more intimate learning environments. This rural setting provides a traditional North Dakota school experience for all residents.
How can I find homes near good schools in McLean County, North Dakota?
Families seeking a community where the school is the heart of town will find McLean County an attractive option. Homes in Garrison or Wilton offer proximity to the county's largest and most established educational programs. Evaluate the local school district's commitment to community as you plan your family's next move.
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.