Prairie Winds Middle School

1200 Prairie Winds Dr
Mankato, MN 56001
(School attendance zone shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 914 students in grades 6-8, Prairie Winds Middle 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 37% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 914 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 37%
  • : Bottom 50% in MN
  • : 37% (Btm 50%)
  • : 44% (Btm 50%)
  • : 28% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

School Overview

Prairie Winds Middle School's student population of 914 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
914 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Calendar
School Mascot
Cougars

School Rankings

Prairie Winds Middle 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 Prairie Winds Middle School is 0.56, 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.
This School
State Level (MN)
#1126 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
37%
46%
44%
51%
28%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
3%
7%
Hispanic
8%
12%
Black
18%
12%
White
63%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.56
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Cougars

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prairie Winds Middle School's ranking?
Prairie Winds Middle School is ranked #1126 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?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Prairie Winds Middle School?
914 students attend Prairie Winds Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Prairie Winds Middle School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Prairie Winds Middle School?
Prairie Winds Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Prairie Winds Middle School offer ?
Prairie Winds Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Prairie Winds Middle School part of?
Prairie Winds Middle School is part of Mankato Public School District.

School Reviews

Review Prairie Winds 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 914 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 37%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 37% (Btm 50%)
  • : 44% (Btm 50%)
  • : 28% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links