For the 2025-26 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 2,194 students in Washburn County, WI (there are 1 private school, serving 113 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Washburn County, WI are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
The top ranked public schools in Washburn County, WI are Birchwood High School, Birchwood Public Montessori and Shell Lake Elementary (3-6). Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Washburn County, WI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Wisconsin public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 38% statewide average). Schools in Washburn County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Wisconsin public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public school average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Washburn County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Birchwood High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
300 S Wilson St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: 9-12 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Birchwood Public Montessori
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
201 E Birch St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: PK-6 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Shell Lake Elementary (3-6)
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
271 Highway 63
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7815
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7815
Gr: 3-6 | 173 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Spooner High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
801 County Highway A
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2172
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2172
Gr: 9-12 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
Spooner Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
750 Oak St
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2173
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2173
Gr: 5-8 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #66.
Birchwood Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 S Wilson St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: PK-5 | 87 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Shell Lake Junior/senior High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
271 Highway 63
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7814
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7814
Gr: 7-12 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #88.
Spooner Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1821 Scribner St
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2174
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2174
Gr: PK-4 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #99.
Northwood Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
N14463 Highway 53
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Gr: PK-5 | 158 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1010.
Birchwood Middle School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 S Wilson St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: 6-8 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1111.
Northwood High/middle
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
N14463 Highway 53
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Gr: 6-12 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
Bobcat Virtual Academy
Charter School
300 S Wilson St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: PK-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: n/an/a
1821 Scribner St
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2174
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2174
Gr: PK | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
Northwood Virtual Charter School
Charter School
N14463 Highway 53
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Gr: PK-12 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
Rank: n/an/a
271 Highway 63
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7815
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7815
Gr: PK-2 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Washburn County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Birchwood Blue Hills Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
201 E Birch St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-9809
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-9809
Gr: 7-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
201 East Birch St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-9809
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-9809
Gr: PK-6 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Northstar Community Charter School (Closed 2024)
Charter School
N14463 Highway 53
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Gr: 4-8 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
801 County Highway A
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2171
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2171
Gr: PK-12 | 58 students Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Washburn County, WI?
The top ranked public schools in Washburn County, WI include Birchwood High School, Birchwood Public Montessori and Shell Lake Elementary (3-6).
How many public schools are located in Washburn County?
15 public schools are located in Washburn County.
What percentage of students in Washburn County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Washburn County are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washburn County?
Washburn County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public schools average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Washburn County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Washburn County include: Shell Lake Junior/senior High School vs. Spooner High School, Spooner High School vs. Shell Lake Junior/senior High School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
