For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public high schools serving 2,554 students in Wadena County, MN.
The top-ranked public high schools in Wadena County, MN are Staples-motley Senior High School, White Pine Academy and Menahga Public schools. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wadena County, MN public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Minnesota public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Wadena County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public high schools.
Wadena County, MN public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is more than the Minnesota average of 83%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Staples-motley Senior High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Minnesota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public High Schools in Wadena County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Staples-motley Senior High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
401 Centennial Dr
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2431
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2431
Gr: 9-12 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
Menahga Public schools
(Math: <50% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
216 Aspen Ave Se
Menahga, MN 56464
(651) 334-3732
Menahga, MN 56464
(651) 334-3732
Gr: PK-12 | 1,144 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #44.
Sebeka Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 1st St Nw
Sebeka, MN 56477
(218) 837-5101
Sebeka, MN 56477
(218) 837-5101
Gr: 7-12 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
600 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2300
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2300
Gr: 7-12 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Verndale Secondary
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
411 Sw Brown St
Verndale, MN 56481
(218) 445-5184
Verndale, MN 56481
(218) 445-5184
Gr: 7-12 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #77.
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: #88.
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 high schools in Wadena County, MN?
The top-ranked public high schools in Wadena County, MN include Staples-motley Senior High School, White Pine Academy and Menahga Public schools.
How many public high schools are located in Wadena County?
9 public high schools are located in Wadena County.
What is the racial composition of students in Wadena County?
Wadena County public high schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public high schools in Wadena County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Wadena County include: Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School vs. Verndale Secondary, Verndale Secondary vs. Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School
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