Prairie River Middle School

106 N Polk St
Merrill, WI 54452
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 507 students in grades 5-8, Prairie River Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is equal to the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 34% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 5-8
  • Enrollment: 507 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 12%
  • : Bottom 50% in WI
  • : 34% (Btm 50%)
  • : 38% (Top 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Top 50%)
  • : Prairie River Middle's attendance zone covers the entire Merrill, WI school district, encompassing approximately 571.2 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 13.3 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, and the furthest edge located 21.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education

School Overview

Prairie River Middle School's student population of 507 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
507 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Calendar

School Rankings

Prairie River Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Prairie River Middle School is 0.22, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (WI)
#1075 out of 1962 schools
(Bottom 50%)

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

34%
40%

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

38%
38%

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

50-54%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
1%
1%

Showing 2014–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
4%
14%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

Black
1%
9%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓

White
88%
66%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
12%
0.22

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
27.2%
24%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
36%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
4%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prairie River Middle School's ranking?
Prairie River Middle School is ranked #1075 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
How many students attend Prairie River Middle School?
507 students attend Prairie River Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Prairie River Middle School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Prairie River Middle School?
Prairie River Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does Prairie River Middle School offer ?
Prairie River Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Prairie River Middle School part of?
Prairie River Middle School is part of Merrill Area School District.

School Reviews

5   10/10/2025
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 5-8
  • Enrollment: 507 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 12%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 34% (Btm 50%)
  • : 38% (Top 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Top 50%)
  • : Prairie River Middle's attendance zone covers the entire Merrill, WI school district, encompassing approximately 571.2 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 13.3 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, and the furthest edge located 21.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education

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