Top Rankings
Paynesville Area Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 10%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 894 students in Paynesville Area Schools. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Minnesota.
Public Elementary Schools in Paynesville Area Schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
2 Schools
1,663 Schools
# Students
894 Students
575,552 Students
# Teachers
62 Teachers
39,750 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Paynesville Area Schools, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 515 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 92% has decreased from 95% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#341 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
41%
Graduation Rate
92%
84%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.17
0.62
% American Indian
1%
2%
% Asian
n/a
7%
% Hispanic
6%
12%
% Black
n/a
13%
% White
91%
59%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $16,271 in this school district is less than the state median of $17,742. The school district revenue/student has grown by 13% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $29,933 is higher than the state median of $18,463. The school district spending/student has grown by 77% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$15 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$27 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$16,271
$17,742
Spending / Student
$29,933
$18,463
Best Paynesville Area Schools Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paynesville Area Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 W Mill St
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Paynesville Area Secondary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
795 Business 23 S
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Gr: 6-12 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Recent Articles
How Public Schools Train Staff Each Year
Learn how public schools train staff each year through professional development, safety training, technology instruction, and ongoing educational support.
What Substitute Teachers Experience in Public Schools
Discover what substitute teachers experience in public schools, including daily responsibilities, challenges, rewards, and their role in student success.
How Teachers Collaborate Across Departments in Public Schools
Learn how teachers collaborate across departments to improve student outcomes, strengthen instruction, and prepare students for real-world success.
