Washburn County Schools & Education
Washburn County, Wisconsin
School Score
69/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,676
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,113
School Score
69/100
Higher = better
State avg 65/100
State School Rank
#29
of 72 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Washburn County, Wisconsin
Small-scale education across four rural districts
Washburn County maintains a focused education system with 16 public schools serving just 2,231 total students. These schools are managed by four districts, providing a highly personalized environment for the region's youth. The infrastructure includes six elementary and five high schools, ensuring coverage from early childhood through graduation.
Superior graduation rates in a rural setting
Students here achieve a 91.9% graduation rate, which slightly edges out the state average and beats the national average by nearly five points. The county spends $8,676 per pupil, which is higher than the Wisconsin average of $8,113. A composite school score of 58.1 indicates that these investments are translating into solid academic performance.
A unique emphasis on charter school options
Nearly 44% of the county's schools are charter institutions, representing one of the highest charter concentrations in the state. While Birchwood is the largest district by school count with six campuses, the Shell Lake and Spooner districts serve the largest concentrations of students. Spooner Elementary is the biggest single school in the county, enrolling 375 students.
Intimate schools in a vast rural landscape
Education in Washburn County is defined by its rurality, with 15 of the 16 schools located in rural settings. The average school size is just 139 students, offering a level of individual attention rarely found in more urbanized areas. Families can choose between small specialized charters and traditional hubs like Spooner High.
Find your quiet home near quality schools
Washburn County offers a rare combination of high academic standards and small-town tranquility. Families looking for a close-knit community will find that the high graduation rates and diverse charter options make this an ideal place to put down roots. Explore homes in Shell Lake or Spooner to enjoy a high-quality, rural educational experience.
School Overview
Total Schools
16
in Washburn County
Total Enrollment
2,231
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
7
44% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Washburn County
Spooner Area School District
Shell Lake School District
Northwood School District
Birchwood School District
16 Public Schools in Washburn County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spooner Elementary | Spooner Area School District | PK–4 | Primary | 375 |
| Spooner High | Spooner Area School District | 9–12 | High | 363 |
| Shell Lake Junior/Senior High | Shell Lake School District | 7–12 | High | 311 |
| Spooner Middle | Spooner Area School District | 5–8 | Middle | 277 |
| Shell Lake Elementary (3-6) | Shell Lake School District | 3–6 | Primary | 178 |
| Shell Lake Primary (K-2) | Shell Lake School District | PK–2 | Primary | 147 |
| Northwood Elementary | Northwood School District | PK–5 | Charter | 145 |
| Northwood High/Middle | Northwood School District | 6–12 | Charter | 144 |
| Birchwood Elementary | Birchwood School District | PK–5 | Primary | 101 |
| Birchwood High | Birchwood School District | 9–12 | High | 61 |
| Birchwood Middle | Birchwood School District | 6–8 | Middle | 47 |
| Birchwood Public Montessori | Birchwood School District | PK–6 | Charter | 32 |
| NorthStar Community Charter School | Northwood School District | 4–8 | Charter | 23 |
| Bobcat Virtual Academy | Birchwood School District | PK–12 | Charter | 19 |
| Birchwood Blue Hills Charter School | Birchwood School District | 7–12 | Charter | 7 |
| Northwood Virtual Charter School | Northwood School District | PK–12 | Charter | 1 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,676
State avg $8,113
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Washburn County, Wisconsin — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
Washburn County maintains a focused education system with 16 public schools serving just 2,231 total students. These schools are managed by four districts, providing a highly personalized environment for the region's youth. The infrastructure includes six elementary and five high schools, ensuring coverage from early childhood through graduation.
How do schools in Washburn County perform academically?
Students here achieve a 91.9% graduation rate, which slightly edges out the state average and beats the national average by nearly five points. The county spends $8,676 per pupil, which is higher than the Wisconsin average of $8,113. A composite school score of 58.1 indicates that these investments are translating into solid academic performance.
What are the major school districts in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
Nearly 44% of the county's schools are charter institutions, representing one of the highest charter concentrations in the state. While Birchwood is the largest district by school count with six campuses, the Shell Lake and Spooner districts serve the largest concentrations of students. Spooner Elementary is the biggest single school in the county, enrolling 375 students.
What is the school experience like in Washburn County?
Education in Washburn County is defined by its rurality, with 15 of the 16 schools located in rural settings. The average school size is just 139 students, offering a level of individual attention rarely found in more urbanized areas. Families can choose between small specialized charters and traditional hubs like Spooner High.
How can I find homes near good schools in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
Washburn County offers a rare combination of high academic standards and small-town tranquility. Families looking for a close-knit community will find that the high graduation rates and diverse charter options make this an ideal place to put down roots. Explore homes in Shell Lake or Spooner to enjoy a high-quality, rural educational experience.
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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.