For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 904 students in Paynesville, MN.
The top-ranked public schools in Paynesville, MN are Paynesville Area Elementary School and Paynesville Area Secondary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Paynesville, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Paynesville have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Paynesville, MN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paynesville Area Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 W Mill St
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Paynesville Area Secondary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
795 Business 23 S
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Gr: 6-12 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
Wced 18-22 Program
Special Education School
805 E State Highway 55
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 256-6026
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 256-6026
Gr: 12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Paynesville, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Paynesville, MN include Paynesville Area Elementary School and Paynesville Area Secondary School.
How many public schools are located in Paynesville?
3 public schools are located in Paynesville.
What is the racial composition of students in Paynesville?
Paynesville public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.