Pierce County Schools & Education
Pierce County, Wisconsin
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
64/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
94.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
94.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,205
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,113
School Score
64/100
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
#44
of 72 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Pierce County
School Verdict
Pierce County performs at an average level with a school score of 64/100 and a solid graduation rate of 94.7%.
Funding Context
At $7,205 per pupil, Pierce County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Pierce County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 1% below the Wisconsin average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 2.9 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 11% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Pierce County, Wisconsin
Comprehensive Education in Western Wisconsin
Pierce County manages 25 public schools across six districts, serving a total of 7,624 students. The network includes 9 elementary, 5 middle, and 7 high schools, along with 4 specialized learning centers. This infrastructure provides a strong academic backbone for the county's growing towns.
High Achievement and Efficient Spending
Pierce County achieves a graduation rate of 94.7%, significantly outpacing the state average of 91.8%. This success comes with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,205, showcasing the county's ability to achieve high results with lean budgets. The school score of 56.4 is nearly identical to the state average.
River Falls and Ellsworth Lead Enrollment
River Falls School District is the largest in the county, educating 3,488 students across 9 schools. Prescott and Ellsworth also serve significant populations, with Ellsworth Elementary hosting 730 students. Charter schools make up 16% of the county's public offerings, providing diverse learning pathways.
Town and Country Educational Mix
The county's 25 schools are divided between town and rural settings, with an average school size of 305 students. River Falls High is the largest school in the area, serving 1,112 students. This mix offers families a choice between a more central town school or a smaller, rural campus.
Invest in a Home Near Top-Performing Schools
Pierce County is a standout for families looking for high graduation rates and community-oriented districts. Whether you prefer the college-town feel of River Falls or the rural beauty of Ellsworth, great schools are always nearby. Make school quality a centerpiece of your home search in this high-achieving county.
School Overview
Total Schools
25
in Pierce County
Total Enrollment
7,624
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
4
16% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Pierce County
River Falls School District
Ellsworth Community School District
Prescott School District
Spring Valley School District
Elmwood School District
Plum City School District
25 Public Schools in Pierce County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Falls High | River Falls School District | 9–12 | High | 1,112 |
| Meyer Middle | River Falls School District | 6–8 | Middle | 738 |
| Ellsworth Elementary | Ellsworth Community School District | PK–5 | Primary | 730 |
| Ellsworth High | Ellsworth Community School District | 9–12 | High | 519 |
| Malone Elementary | Prescott School District | PK–5 | Primary | 460 |
| Prescott High | Prescott School District | 9–12 | High | 430 |
| Rocky Branch Elementary | River Falls School District | PK–5 | Primary | 428 |
| Westside Elementary | River Falls School District | PK–5 | Primary | 408 |
| Greenwood Elementary | River Falls School District | KG–5 | Primary | 392 |
| Ellsworth Middle | Ellsworth Community School District | 6–8 | Middle | 375 |
| Spring Valley Elementary | Spring Valley School District | PK–5 | Primary | 354 |
| Prescott Middle | Prescott School District | 6–8 | Middle | 275 |
| Spring Valley High | Spring Valley School District | 9–12 | High | 200 |
| River Falls Public Montessori Academy | River Falls School District | PK–6 | Charter | 190 |
| River Falls 4 Children | River Falls School District | PK | Other | 160 |
| Spring Valley Middle | Spring Valley School District | 6–8 | Middle | 154 |
| Elmwood Elementary | Elmwood School District | PK–4 | Primary | 138 |
| Plum City High | Plum City School District | 6–12 | High | 137 |
| Plum City Elementary | Plum City School District | PK–5 | Primary | 103 |
| Elmwood High | Elmwood School District | 9–12 | High | 90 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,205
State avg $8,113
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Pierce County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Pierce County?
How much does Pierce County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Pierce County, Wisconsin — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Pierce County, Wisconsin?
Pierce County manages 25 public schools across six districts, serving a total of 7,624 students. The network includes 9 elementary, 5 middle, and 7 high schools, along with 4 specialized learning centers. This infrastructure provides a strong academic backbone for the county's growing towns.
How do schools in Pierce County perform academically?
Pierce County achieves a graduation rate of 94.7%, significantly outpacing the state average of 91.8%. This success comes with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,205, showcasing the county's ability to achieve high results with lean budgets. The school score of 56.4 is nearly identical to the state average.
What are the major school districts in Pierce County, Wisconsin?
River Falls School District is the largest in the county, educating 3,488 students across 9 schools. Prescott and Ellsworth also serve significant populations, with Ellsworth Elementary hosting 730 students. Charter schools make up 16% of the county's public offerings, providing diverse learning pathways.
What is the school experience like in Pierce County?
The county's 25 schools are divided between town and rural settings, with an average school size of 305 students. River Falls High is the largest school in the area, serving 1,112 students. This mix offers families a choice between a more central town school or a smaller, rural campus.
How can I find homes near good schools in Pierce County, Wisconsin?
Pierce County is a standout for families looking for high graduation rates and community-oriented districts. Whether you prefer the college-town feel of River Falls or the rural beauty of Ellsworth, great schools are always nearby. Make school quality a centerpiece of your home search in this high-achieving county.
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.