Wadena-Deer Creek Senior High School is a four-year public high school located in Wadena, Minnesota, United States. WDC is a cooperative school district for the communities of Wadena, Deer Creek and Bluffton. 646 students are currently enrolled in grades 5–12.
Serving 470 students in grades 7-12, Wadena-deer Creek Senior High 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 28% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 470 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 13%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Top 50% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Wadena-Deer Creek Senior High's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district, covering approximately 191 square miles around Wadena, MN. The typical drive to the school is 15 to 20 minutes, with an average distance of 7.8 miles to the zone's edge, reaching up to 15.2 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School's student population of 470 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
470 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Royal blue, Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Building a Legacy of Excellence...One Student at a Time
School Rankings
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High 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 Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School is 0.24, 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
#1244 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
5%
12%
Black
1%
12%
White
87%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
84%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.2%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School's ranking?
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School is ranked #1244 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School often compared to?
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Verndale Secondary by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School?
470 students attend Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School?
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School offer ?
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School part of?
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School is part of Wadena-Deer Creek School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
I would highly not reccomend this school. the staff is not student friendly and extremly biased in their decisions. Students accused with truency when parents have called in. lack of organization. seniors left with destroyed school get no appreciation and respect instead they are treated like 7th graders. if you are looking for a fair well balanced school WDC is NOT the place!
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