Serving 484 students in grades 6-12, Paynesville Area Secondary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 484 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paynesville Area Secondary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Paynesville Area Secondary School's student population of 484 students has grown by 56% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 73% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
484 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Campus Size
50 acres
School Rankings
Paynesville Area Secondary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paynesville Area Secondary School is 0.17, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1486 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
7%
12%
Black
n/a
12%
White
91%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paynesville Area Secondary School's ranking?
Paynesville Area Secondary School is ranked #1486 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Paynesville Area Secondary School?
The graduation rate of Paynesville Area Secondary School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Paynesville Area Secondary School?
484 students attend Paynesville Area Secondary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Paynesville Area Secondary School students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paynesville Area Secondary School?
Paynesville Area Secondary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Paynesville Area Secondary School offer ?
Paynesville Area Secondary School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Paynesville Area Secondary School part of?
Paynesville Area Secondary School is part of Paynesville Area Schools School District.
School Reviews
Review Paynesville Area Secondary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.