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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Watonwan County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,993 students in Watonwan County, MN (there are 2 private schools, serving 94 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Watonwan County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Watonwan County, MN are St. James Northside Elementary School, Madelia Elementary School and Madelia Secondary. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Watonwan County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Watonwan County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Watonwan County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
St. James Northside Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1273 10th Ave N
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3325
Gr: K-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #22.
Madelia Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
121 E Main St
Madelia, MN 56062
(507) 642-3234
Gr: PK-6 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #33.
Madelia Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
320 Buck Ave Se
Madelia, MN 56062
(507) 642-3232
Gr: 7-12 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
St. James Middle/high School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1001 10th Ave N
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3381
Gr: 6-12 | 566 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Butterfield Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
440 Hubbard Ave
Butterfield, MN 56120
(507) 956-2771
Gr: PK-6 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #66.
Butterfield Secondary
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
440 Hubbard Ave
Butterfield, MN 56120
(507) 956-2771
Gr: 7-12 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: n/an/a
Armstrong School
500 3rd Ave S
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3325
Gr: PK | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
St. James Early Childhood
Special Education School
500 3rd Ave S
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3321
Gr: PK | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 80%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Watonwan County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Watonwan County, MN include St. James Northside Elementary School, Madelia Elementary School and Madelia Secondary.
How many public schools are located in Watonwan County?
8 public schools are located in Watonwan County.
What percentage of students in Watonwan County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Watonwan County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Watonwan County?
Watonwan County public schools minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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