Home > Minnesota > Grant County

West Central Area School District

Item: West Central Area School District
Rating: 9
Author: Public School Review

301 County Rd 2
Barrett, MN 56311-9701

( shown in map)

Top 20%

Tel: (320) 528-7301

www.isd2342.org

Top Rankings

West Central Area School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:

Overview

This School District

This State (MN)

# Schools

5 Schools

2,768 Schools

# Students

743 Students

875,540 Students

# Teachers

60 Teachers

57,000 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

12:1

Student By Grade

View Data

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
Pre-K	30	52
Kind	52	106
1	40	109
2	50	113
3	47	117
4	63	114
5	59	117
6	61	117
7	50	117
8	62	117
9	54	122
10	55	125
11	61	127
12	59	139

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

District Rank

West Central Area School District, which is ranked within the top 20% of all 514 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 90% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.

This School District

State Average (MN)

#91 out of 525 school districts
(Top 20%)

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	West Central Area School District
2023	#91
2022	#75
2021	#94
2019	#63
2018	#69
2017	#66
2016	#77
2015	#103
2014	#117
2013	#220
2012	#96
2011	#193
2010	#66

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

49%

46%

View Data

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	49%	46%
2022	53%	45%
2021	47%	45%
2019	63%	56%
2018	67%	58%
2017	72%	59%
2016	65%	60%
2015	69%	61%
2014	60%	61%
2013	56%	61%
2012	67%	62%
2011	50%	56%
2010	70%	65%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

60%

51%

View Data

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2022	60%	51%
2021	61%	53%
2019	69%	59%
2018	67%	60%
2017	67%	61%
2016	71%	60%
2015	64%	60%
2014	68%	59%
2013	58%	58%
2012	82%	76%
2011	79%	74%
2010	82%	72%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

49%

41%

View Data

Science Proficiency Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2022	49%	41%
2021	47%	45%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(21-22)

≥90%

84%

View Data

Showing 2013–2022. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2022	90%	84%
2021	92%	84%
2020	90%	84%
2019	90%	84%
2018	90%	83%
2017	90%	83%
2016	90%	82%
2015	90%	82%
2014	90%	82%
2013	90%	81%
2012	87%	80%
2011	90%	79%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(2022-23)

19.8%

27.3%

View Data

Chronic Absenteeism Rate Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	19.8%	27.3%
2022	19.5%	31.2%
2021	11.4%	21.2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.19

0.60

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	0.16	0.59
2022	0.16	0.58
2021	0.14	0.58
2020	0.15	0.55
2019	0.15	0.54
2018	0.14	0.54
2017	0.14	0.53
2016	0.14	0.51
2015	0.24	0.49
2014	0.10	0.48
2013	0.10	0.47
2012	0.08	0.45
2011	0.10	0.44
2010	0.08	0.42
2009	0.08	0.41
2008	0.09	0.40
2007	0.09	0.40
2006	0.06	0.38
2005	0.08	0.37
2004	0.07	0.35
2003	0.06	0.34
2002	0.06	0.32
2001	0.06	0.31
2000	0.07	0.29
1999	0.05	0.27
1998	0.04	0.27
1996	0.04	0.24

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

View Data

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison (1996-2014)
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2014	1%	2%
2009	1%	2%
2008	1%	2%
2007	1%	2%
2002	1%	2%
2001	1%	2%
2000	1%	2%
1999	1%	2%
1996	1%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Asian

n/a

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison (1996-2010)
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2010	1%	6%
2009	1%	6%
2008	1%	6%
2007	1%	6%
2005	1%	6%
2003	1%	6%
2000	1%	5%
1999	1%	5%
1998	1%	4%
1996	1%	4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

12%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison (1998-2023)
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	5%	11%
2022	4%	10%
2021	3%	10%
2020	4%	10%
2019	4%	9%
2018	4%	9%
2017	4%	9%
2016	4%	9%
2015	3%	8%
2014	2%	8%
2013	2%	8%
2012	3%	8%
2011	2%	7%
2010	2%	7%
2009	1%	6%
2008	1%	6%
2007	2%	6%
2006	2%	5%
2005	2%	5%
2004	2%	5%
2003	1%	4%
2002	1%	4%
2001	2%	3%
2000	1%	3%
1999	1%	2%
1998	1%	3%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

12%

View Data

Showing 2012–2023. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Black Student Percentage Comparison (1996-2023)
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	1%	12%
2022	1%	12%
2021	1%	12%
2020	1%	11%
2019	1%	11%
2018	1%	11%
2017	1%	11%
2014	1%	10%
2013	1%	9%
2012	1%	9%
2011	1%	9%
2010	2%	10%
2009	1%	10%
2008	2%	9%
2007	1%	9%
2006	1%	9%
2005	1%	8%
2004	1%	8%
2003	1%	7%
2002	1%	7%
1996	1%	5%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

90%

60%

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

White Student Percentage Comparison (1996-2023)
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	91%	62%
2022	92%	63%
2021	93%	63%
2020	92%	65%
2019	92%	66%
2018	93%	66%
2017	93%	67%
2016	93%	69%
2015	76%	70%
2014	95%	71%
2013	95%	72%
2012	96%	73%
2011	95%	74%
2010	95%	75%
2009	96%	76%
2008	95%	77%
2007	95%	77%
2006	97%	78%
2005	96%	79%
2004	97%	80%
2003	97%	81%
2002	97%	82%
2001	97%	83%
2000	97%	84%
1999	97%	85%
1998	98%	85%
1996	97%	87%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

% Two or more races

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison (2011-2023)
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	3%	6%
2022	3%	6%
2021	3%	6%
2020	3%	5%
2019	3%	5%
2018	2%	5%
2017	2%	4%
2016	3%	4%
2015	5%	4%
2014	1%	3%
2013	2%	3%
2011	2%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $16,159 in this school district is less than the state median of $19,325. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $17,534 is less than the state median of $20,059. The school district spending/student has grown by 6% over four school years.

This School District

This State (MN)

Total Revenue

$12 MM

$16,920 MM

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Total Revenues Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	$12 MM	$10 MM
2022	$12 MM	$10 MM
2021	$12 MM	$9 MM
2020	$12 MM	$9 MM
2019	$11 MM	$8 MM
2018	$11 MM	$8 MM
2017	$10 MM	$7 MM
2016	$10 MM	$7 MM
2015	$8 MM	$6 MM
2014	$9 MM	$7 MM
2012	$9 MM	$6 MM
2011	$9 MM	$7 MM
2010	$8 MM	$6 MM
2009	$8 MM	$6 MM
2008	$8 MM	$6 MM
2007	$8 MM	$6 MM
2006	$8 MM	$6 MM
2005	$8 MM	$6 MM
2004	$8 MM	$6 MM
2003	$8 MM	$6 MM
2002	$8 MM	$7 MM
2001	$8 MM	$7 MM
2000	$8 MM	$6 MM
1999	$7 MM	$7 MM
1998	$7 MM	$7 MM
1997	$7 MM	$7 MM
1996	$9 MM	$6 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$13 MM

$17,562 MM

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	$13 MM	$10 MM
2022	$13 MM	$10 MM
2021	$12 MM	$9 MM
2020	$12 MM	$9 MM
2019	$11 MM	$9 MM
2018	$11 MM	$8 MM
2017	$11 MM	$8 MM
2016	$9 MM	$7 MM
2015	$7 MM	$6 MM
2014	$8 MM	$7 MM
2012	$8 MM	$6 MM
2011	$7 MM	$6 MM
2010	$7 MM	$6 MM
2009	$8 MM	$6 MM
2008	$8 MM	$6 MM
2007	$8 MM	$6 MM
2006	$8 MM	$6 MM
2005	$8 MM	$6 MM
2004	$8 MM	$6 MM
2003	$8 MM	$7 MM
2002	$8 MM	$7 MM
2001	$7 MM	$7 MM
2000	$8 MM	$7 MM
1999	$7 MM	$7 MM
1998	$7 MM	$7 MM
1997	$8 MM	$7 MM
1996	$11 MM	$6 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$16,159

$19,325

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	$15,412	$17,720
2022	$15,888	$17,074
2021	$16,101	$15,834
2020	$14,819	$14,997
2019	$13,486	$14,113
2018	$13,917	$14,902
2017	$13,750	$14,246
2016	$13,344	$13,431
2015	$11,614	$12,051
2014	$11,924	$12,820
2012	$11,587	$12,250
2011	$11,926	$12,557
2010	$11,566	$12,051
2009	$10,693	$11,416
2008	$10,408	$11,377
2007	$9,643	$10,573
2006	$9,557	$10,187
2005	$9,317	$9,471
2004	$9,394	$9,255
2003	$9,137	$9,258
2002	$8,599	$9,018
2001	$8,100	$8,614
2000	$7,750	$8,140
1999	$6,814	$8,059
1998	$6,587	$7,429

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$17,534

$20,059

View Data

Showing 2014–2023. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	West Central Area School District	Minnesota
2023	$16,724	$18,342
2022	$16,501	$17,269
2021	$15,788	$15,759
2020	$15,458	$15,385
2019	$14,589	$14,956
2018	$14,386	$15,174
2017	$14,893	$14,982
2016	$12,607	$14,117
2015	$10,107	$11,992
2014	$11,329	$13,172
2012	$10,615	$12,023
2011	$10,246	$11,899
2010	$10,065	$11,992
2009	$10,161	$11,593
2008	$9,737	$11,230
2007	$9,776	$10,536
2006	$9,924	$10,149
2005	$9,589	$9,268
2004	$9,262	$9,179
2003	$8,742	$9,746
2002	$8,551	$9,476
2001	$7,923	$8,680
2000	$7,726	$8,712
1999	$7,089	$8,638
1998	$6,713	$7,392

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Best West Central Area School District Public Schools (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

West Central Area N. Elementary School

(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
:

10/

Top 10%

Add to Compare

411 1st St Se
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
(218) 685-7500

Gr: PK-4 | 144 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%

Rank: #22.

West Central Area S. Elementary School

(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
:

Top 30%

Add to Compare

31 N Central
Kensington, MN 56343
(320) 965-7600

Gr: PK-4 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%

Rank: #33.

Wca Middle School

(Math: 44% | Reading: 58%)
:

Top 50%

Add to Compare

301 County Road 2
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7400

Gr: 5-8 | 232 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%

Rank: #44.

West Central Area Secondary

(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 70-74%)
:

Top 50%

Add to Compare

301 County Road 2
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7400

Gr: 9-12 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%

Rank: n/an/a

West Central Area Alp

Alternative School

Add to Compare

301 County Road 2
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7401

Gr: 5-12

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools belong to West Central Area School District?

West Central Area School District manages 5 public schools serving 743 students.

What is the rank of West Central Area School District?

West Central Area School District is ranked #99 out of 514 school districts in Minnesota (top 20%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of Minnesota school districts for: Highest overall rank (Top 20%) and Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)

What is the racial composition of students in West Central Area School District?

90% of West Central Area School District students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.

What is the student/teacher ratio of West Central Area School District?

West Central Area School District has a student/teacher ratio of 12:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 15:1.

What is West Central Area School District's spending/student ratio?

The school district's spending/student of $17,534 is less than the state median of $20,059. The school district spending/student has grown by 6% over four school years.

Recent Articles

October 07, 2026

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?

Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.

October 07, 2026

Does Your Child Need More Recess?

Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.

October 07, 2026

Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know

Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.

Quick Facts (26-27)

District size: 5 schools
Grades: PK-12
Enrollment: 743 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Minority Enrollment: 10%
: ≥90% (Btm 50% in MN)
: Top 20%
: 49% (Top 30%)
: 60% (Top 20%)
: 49% (Top 30%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education