For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public elementary schools serving 2,332 students in Wadena County, MN.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Wadena County, MN are Sebeka Elementary School, Menahga Elementary School and White Pine Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wadena County, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Wadena County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Wadena County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sebeka Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
200 1st St Nw
Sebeka, MN 56477
(218) 837-5101
Sebeka, MN 56477
(218) 837-5101
Gr: PK-6 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Menahga Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
216 Aspen Ave Se
Menahga, MN 56464
(218) 564-4141
Menahga, MN 56464
(218) 564-4141
Gr: PK-6 | 511 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
White Pine Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 5-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Wadena-deer Creek 5th And 6th Grade
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
600 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Gr: 5-6 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Staples-motley Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1025 4th St Ne
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5400
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5400
Gr: PK-4 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #66.
Wadena-deer Creek Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
215 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Gr: PK-4 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Motley-staples Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
401 Centennial Dr
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5400
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5400
Gr: 5-8 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #88.
Verndale Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
411 Sw Brown St
Verndale, MN 56481
(218) 445-5184
Verndale, MN 56481
(218) 445-5184
Gr: PK-6 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #99.
Freshwater Education District Alc
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 6-12 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #1010.
Leaf River Academy
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: K-12 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Elm Tree Academy
Special Education School
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 2-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Wadena County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1100 Fifth St N.e.
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2439
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2439
Gr: 9-12
Freshwater Targeted Services (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1100 5th Street Ne Suite 2
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2439
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2439
216 Aspen Avenue Se
Menahga, MN 56464
(218) 564-4141
Menahga, MN 56464
(218) 564-4141
Gr: 5-8 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Mn Collaborative Online Learning (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
200 First Street Ne
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5469
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5469
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Wadena County, MN?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Wadena County, MN include Sebeka Elementary School, Menahga Elementary School and White Pine Academy.
How many public elementary schools are located in Wadena County?
11 public elementary schools are located in Wadena County.
What is the racial composition of students in Wadena County?
Wadena County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Wadena County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Wadena County include: Verndale Elementary School vs. Wadena-deer Creek Elementary School, Wadena-deer Creek Elementary School vs. Verndale Elementary School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
