Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Wadena, MN (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Wadena Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 22 public schools serving 1,279 students in Wadena, MN.
The top-ranked public schools in Wadena, MN are White Pine Academy, Wadena-deer Creek 5th And 6th Grade and Wadena-deer Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wadena, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Wadena have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Wadena, MN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
White Pine Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 5-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Wadena-deer Creek 5th And 6th Grade
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
600 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Gr: 5-6 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Wadena-deer Creek Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
215 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Gr: PK-4 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
600 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2300
Gr: 7-12 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Freshwater Education District Alc
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 6-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #66.
Leaf River Academy
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: K-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
Early Childhood Special Education
Special Education School
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: PK | 64 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: n/an/a
Elm Tree Academy
Special Education School
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 2-12 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: n/an/a
F.e.d. Aitkin Credit Recovery
Alternative School
306 2nd St Nw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
F.e.d. Browerville Credit Recovery
Alternative School
620 Park Ave N
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
F.e.d. Pequot Lakes Credit Recovery
Alternative School
30805 Olson St
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
F.e.d. Pierz Credit Recovery
Alternative School
112 Kamnic St
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
F.e.d. Pillager Credit Recovery
Alternative School
323 E 2nd St
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
F.e.d. Royalton Credit Recovery
Alternative School
120 S Hawthorn St
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
F.e.d. Underwood Credit Recovery
Alternative School
100 Southern Ave E
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
Fed Bertha-hewitt Credit Recovery
Alternative School
310 Central Ave S
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
Fed Norman County East Credit Rec
Alternative School
408 Main Ave W
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
Freshwater Long Prairie Alc
Alternative School
308 1st St S
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
Freshwater Menahga Alc
Alternative School
216 Aspen Ave Se
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
Freshwater Pillager Alc
Alternative School
323 E 2nd St
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
Freshwater Staples Alc
Alternative School
1830 Airport Rd, Ste 2
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Rank: n/an/a
Freshwater Wadena Alc
Alternative School
624 Jefferson St N
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Wadena, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Wadena, MN include White Pine Academy, Wadena-deer Creek 5th And 6th Grade and Wadena-deer Creek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Wadena?
22 public schools are located in Wadena.
What is the racial composition of students in Wadena?
Wadena public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (MN):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Minnesota Top-Ranked Public Schools
Minnesota Top-Ranked Public Schools
 Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
 Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
 Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes

More Articles

Public School Jobs
Parenting and Learning Issues
Teaching
About Public Schools
Scholarships