Top Rankings
West Central Education School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 91 students in West Central Education School District. This district's average testing ranking is 8/10, which is in the top 30% of public schools in Minnesota.
Public Schools in West Central Education School District have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
5 Schools
2,776 Schools
# Students
91 Students
876,311 Students
# Teachers
10 Teachers
57,049 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
West Central Education School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 515 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 40-59% has decreased from 60-79% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#348 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)<50%
45%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
41%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)40-59%
84%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.45
0.60
% American Indian
n/a
2%
% Asian
n/a
7%
% Hispanic
23%
12%
% Black
n/a
12%
% White
70%
60%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $49,549 is higher than the state median of $17,742. The school district revenue/student has declined by 19% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $48,231 is higher than the state median of $18,463. The school district spending/student has declined by 19% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$5 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$49,549
$17,742
Spending / Student
$48,231
$18,463
Best West Central Education School District Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Beacon Program W Central Ed. Dist.
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Gr: PK-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
West Central Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Gr: 6-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: n/an/a
Wced 18-22 Program
Special Education School
805 E State Highway 55
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 256-6026
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 256-6026
Gr: 12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
Wced Credit Recovery
Alternative School
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
West Central Education District B-2
Special Education School
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Gr: PK | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to West Central Education School District?
West Central Education School District manages 5 public schools serving 91 students.
What is the rank of West Central Education School District?
West Central Education School District is ranked #139 out of 515 school districts in Minnesota (top 30%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2021-2022 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of Minnesota school districts for: Highest science proficiency (Top 20%) and Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in West Central Education School District?
70% of West Central Education School District students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student/teacher ratio of West Central Education School District?
West Central Education School District has a student/teacher ratio of 9:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 15:1.
What is West Central Education School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $48,231 is higher than the state median of $18,463. The school district spending/student has declined by 19% over four school years.
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.
