Serving 429 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Paynesville Area Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 429 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Paynesville Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire Paynesville school district, covering approximately 170 square miles. The zone is typically a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 7.5 miles to the edge and extending up to 11 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Paynesville Area Elementary School's student population of 429 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
429 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Go Bulldogs!
School Rankings
Paynesville Area Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paynesville Area Elementary School is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#645 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
1%
7%
Hispanic
5%
12%
Black
n/a
12%
White
90%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)7%
27.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paynesville Area Elementary School's ranking?
Paynesville Area Elementary School is ranked #645 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Paynesville Area Elementary School often compared to?
Paynesville Area Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sauk Centre Elementary School, Belgrade-brooten-elrosa Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Paynesville Area Elementary School?
429 students attend Paynesville Area Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Paynesville Area Elementary School students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paynesville Area Elementary School?
Paynesville Area Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Paynesville Area Elementary School offer ?
Paynesville Area Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Paynesville Area Elementary School part of?
Paynesville Area Elementary School is part of Paynesville Area Schools.
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