Top Rankings
West Central Education School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 31 students in West Central Education School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public elementary schools in Minnesota.
Public Elementary Schools in West Central Education School District have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
5 Schools
1,663 Schools
# Students
91 Students
575,431 Students
# Teachers
10 Teachers
39,740 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
West Central Education School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 515 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 40-59% has decreased from 60-79% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#348 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)<50%
45%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
41%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)40-59%
84%
Chronically Absent Students
(2020-21) âš COVID-19 impacted2.3%
21.2%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.45
0.62
% American Indian
n/a
2%
% Asian
n/a
7%
% Hispanic
23%
12%
% Black
n/a
13%
% White
70%
59%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $49,549 is higher than the state median of $17,752. The school district revenue/student has declined by 19% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $48,231 is higher than the state median of $18,474. The school district spending/student has declined by 19% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$5 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$49,549
$17,752
Spending / Student
$48,231
$18,474
Best West Central Education School District Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Beacon Program W Central Ed. Dist.
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Gr: PK-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
West Central Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Gr: 6-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
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.
