Staples-Motley School District

905 4th St Ne
Staples, MN 56479-2118
(District boundaries shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 570 students in Staples-Motley School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Minnesota.
Public Elementary Schools in Staples-Motley School District have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Overview

This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
3 Schools
1,651 Schools
# Students
888 Students
572,726 Students
# Teachers
65 Teachers
40,417 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Staples-Motley School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 520 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 95% has increased from 90-94% over five school years.
This School District
State Average (MN)
#267 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
42%
46%
45%
51%
40%
41%
(21-22)
≥95%
84%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.22
0.61
% American Indian
3%
2%
% Asian
n/a
8%
% Hispanic
4%
11%
% Black
n/a
12%
% White
89%
60%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
7%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $18,139 is higher than the state median of $17,852. The school district revenue/student has grown by 13% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $19,453 is higher than the state median of $18,577. The school district spending/student has grown by 20% over four school years.
This School District
This State (MN)
Total Revenue
$16 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$17 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$18,139
$17,852
Spending / Student
$19,453
$18,577

Best Staples-Motley School District Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Staples-motley Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1025 4th St Ne
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5400
Gr: PK-4 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Motley-staples Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
401 Centennial Dr
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5400
Gr: 5-8 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%

Recent Articles

Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 3 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 888 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 12%
  • : ≥95% (Btm 50% in MN)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 42% (Top 50%)
  • : 45% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

Quick Links