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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Wadena County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public high schools serving 1,844 students in Wadena County, MN.
The top-ranked public high schools in Wadena County, MN are Staples-motley Senior High School, White Pine Academy and Menahga High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wadena County, MN public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Minnesota public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Wadena County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public high schools.
Wadena County, MN public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is more than the Minnesota average of 83%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Staples-motley Senior High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Minnesota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high school average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public High Schools in Wadena County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Staples-motley Senior High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
401 Centennial Dr
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2431
Gr: 9-12 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
Menahga High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
216 Aspen Ave Se
Menahga, MN 56464
(651) 334-3732
Gr: 7-12 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Sebeka Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
200 1st St Nw
Sebeka, MN 56477
(218) 837-5101
Gr: 7-12 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
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: #66.
Verndale Secondary
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
411 Sw Brown St
Verndale, MN 56481
(218) 445-5184
Gr: 7-12 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #77.
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: #88.
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
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. Royalton Credit Recovery
Alternative School
120 S Hawthorn St
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Fed Staples-motley Credit Recovery
Alternative School
401 Centennial Dr
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 9-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Wadena County, MN?
The top-ranked public high schools in Wadena County, MN include Staples-motley Senior High School, White Pine Academy and Menahga High School.
How many public high schools are located in Wadena County?
9 public high schools are located in Wadena County.
What is the racial composition of students in Wadena County?
Wadena County public high schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public high schools in Wadena County are often viewed compared to one another?

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