West Central Area N. Elementary School

411 1st St Se
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
(School attendance zone shown in map)
10/
10
Top 10%
Serving 144 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, West Central Area N. Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 144 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 14%
  • : Top 10% in MN
  • : 70-74% (Top 10%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 20%)
  • : West Central Area N. El serves the northwest part of Elbow Lake, MN, covering an attendance area of approximately 298.4 square miles. Families in this zone typically drive 15 to 20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 16.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

West Central Area N. Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

West Central Area N. Elementary School's student population of 144 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 15 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
144 students
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
School Calendar

School Rankings

West Central Area N. Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Central Area N. Elementary School is 0.26, 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.
This School
State Level (MN)
#175 out of 1773 schools
(Top 10%)
70-74%
46%
60-64%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
5%
12%
Black
3%
12%
White
86%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
0.26
(22-23)
20.8%
27.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Wild Boars

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Central Area N. Elementary School's ranking?
West Central Area N. Elementary School is ranked #175 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend West Central Area N. Elementary School?
144 students attend West Central Area N. Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of West Central Area N. Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Central Area N. Elementary School?
West Central Area N. Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does West Central Area N. Elementary School offer ?
West Central Area N. Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Central Area N. Elementary School part of?
West Central Area N. Elementary School is part of West Central Area School District.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 144 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 14%
  • : Top 10%
  • : 70-74% (Top 10%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 20%)
  • : West Central Area N. El serves the northwest part of Elbow Lake, MN, covering an attendance area of approximately 298.4 square miles. Families in this zone typically drive 15 to 20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 16.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

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