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 (2026-27)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 507 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 12%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WI
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: 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)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
507 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
1905
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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1075 out of 1962 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
4%
14%
Black
1%
9%
White
88%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.2%
24%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
4%
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
Perfect school
Review Prairie River Middle 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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
