Lincoln County Schools & Education
Lincoln County, Wisconsin
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
55/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,432
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,113
School Score
55/100
Higher = better
State avg 65/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#57
of 72 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Lincoln County
School Verdict
Lincoln County performs at an average level with a school score of 55/100 and a solid graduation rate of 91.3%.
Funding Context
At $7,432 per pupil, Lincoln County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Lincoln County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 15% below the Wisconsin average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 0.5 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 8% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Lincoln County, Wisconsin
Centralized Learning in Lincoln County
Lincoln County operates 12 public schools serving a robust student body of 4,187. The system is managed by just two school districts, featuring three elementary, two middle, and five high schools. Two specialized 'other' schools also provide unique learning pathways for local students.
Quality Education at a Lower Cost
Lincoln County maintains a graduation rate of 91.3%, aligning with state averages and beating the national rate. Per-pupil spending stands at $7,432, which is lower than both state and national averages. Despite leaner funding, the county's school score remains competitive at 55.1.
Merrill and Tomahawk District Leaders
The Merrill Area School District is the largest provider, educating 2,907 students across seven campuses. Tomahawk School District follows with 1,204 students in three schools. Notably, Bridges Virtual Academy operates as a major charter school within the county, accounting for 16.7% of all schools.
Town-Centered Schooling and Virtual Options
Nine of the county's schools are located in town settings, providing a more centralized feel for most students. Merrill High is the largest traditional campus with 803 students, while Bridges Virtual Academy serves 731 students remotely. This mix offers families a choice between large-school athletics and flexible digital learning.
Discover a Community That Values Choice
Lincoln County is perfect for families seeking either traditional town-based schools or innovative virtual options. With graduation rates well above the national average, the area provides a solid foundation for student success. Look for your next home in Merrill or Tomahawk to join this active educational community.
School Overview
Total Schools
12
in Lincoln County
Total Enrollment
4,187
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
2
17% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Lincoln County
Merrill Area School District
Tomahawk School District
12 Public Schools in Lincoln County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrill High | Merrill Area School District | 9–12 | High | 803 |
| Bridges Virtual Academy | Merrill Area School District | PK–12 | Charter | 731 |
| Prairie River Middle | Merrill Area School District | 5–8 | Middle | 593 |
| Tomahawk Elementary | Tomahawk School District | PK–5 | Primary | 554 |
| Kate Goodrich Elementary | Merrill Area School District | KG–2 | Primary | 375 |
| Tomahawk High | Tomahawk School District | 9–12 | High | 371 |
| Tomahawk Middle | Tomahawk School District | 6–8 | Middle | 279 |
| Washington Elementary | Merrill Area School District | 3–4 | Primary | 229 |
| Pine River School for Young Learners (PRSYL) | Merrill Area School District | PK | Other | 150 |
| Lincoln Hills School | Wisconsin Department of Corrections | 6–12 | Alternative | 64 |
| Merrill Adult Diploma Academy | Merrill Area School District | 10–12 | Charter | 26 |
| Copper Lake School | Wisconsin Department of Corrections | 7–12 | Alternative | 12 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,432
State avg $8,113
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Lincoln County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Lincoln County?
How much does Lincoln County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Lincoln County, Wisconsin — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Lincoln County, Wisconsin?
Lincoln County operates 12 public schools serving a robust student body of 4,187. The system is managed by just two school districts, featuring three elementary, two middle, and five high schools. Two specialized 'other' schools also provide unique learning pathways for local students.
How do schools in Lincoln County perform academically?
Lincoln County maintains a graduation rate of 91.3%, aligning with state averages and beating the national rate. Per-pupil spending stands at $7,432, which is lower than both state and national averages. Despite leaner funding, the county's school score remains competitive at 55.1.
What are the major school districts in Lincoln County, Wisconsin?
The Merrill Area School District is the largest provider, educating 2,907 students across seven campuses. Tomahawk School District follows with 1,204 students in three schools. Notably, Bridges Virtual Academy operates as a major charter school within the county, accounting for 16.7% of all schools.
What is the school experience like in Lincoln County?
Nine of the county's schools are located in town settings, providing a more centralized feel for most students. Merrill High is the largest traditional campus with 803 students, while Bridges Virtual Academy serves 731 students remotely. This mix offers families a choice between large-school athletics and flexible digital learning.
How can I find homes near good schools in Lincoln County, Wisconsin?
Lincoln County is perfect for families seeking either traditional town-based schools or innovative virtual options. With graduation rates well above the national average, the area provides a solid foundation for student success. Look for your next home in Merrill or Tomahawk to join this active educational community.
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.