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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Washburn County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 2,194 students in Washburn County, WI (there are 1 private school, serving 108 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Washburn County, WI are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
The top-ranked public schools in Washburn County, WI are Birchwood High School, Birchwood Public Montessori and Shell Lake Elementary (3-6). Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Washburn County, WI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Wisconsin public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 39% statewide average). Schools in Washburn County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Wisconsin public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public school average of 34% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Washburn County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Birchwood High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
300 S Wilson St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: 9-12 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Birchwood Public Montessori
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
201 E Birch St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: PK-6 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Shell Lake Elementary (3-6)
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
271 Highway 63
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7816
Gr: 3-6 | 153 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Spooner High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
801 County Highway A
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2172
Gr: 9-12 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Spooner Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
750 Oak St
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2173
Gr: 5-8 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Birchwood Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
300 S Wilson St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: PK-5 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #77.
Shell Lake Junior/senior High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
271 Highway 63
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7816
Gr: 7-12 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #88.
Northstar Community Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
N14463 Highway 53
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Gr: PK-8 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #99.
Spooner Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1821 Scribner St
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2174
Gr: PK-4 | 363 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1010.
Northwood Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
N14463 Highway 53
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Gr: PK-5 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1111.
Birchwood Middle School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
300 S Wilson St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: 6-8 | 36 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #1212.
Northwood High/middle
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
N14463 Highway 53
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Gr: 6-12 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
Bobcat Virtual Academy
Charter School
300 S Wilson St
Birchwood, WI 54817
(715) 354-3471
Gr: PK-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: n/an/a
Northwood Virtual Charter School
Charter School
N14463 Highway 53
Minong, WI 54859
(715) 466-2297
Gr: PK-12 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
Rank: n/an/a
Shell Lake Primary (K-2)
271 Highway 63
Shell Lake, WI 54871
(715) 468-7815
Gr: PK-2 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Washburn County, WI?
The top-ranked public schools in Washburn County, WI include Birchwood High School, Birchwood Public Montessori and Shell Lake Elementary (3-6).
How many public schools are located in Washburn County?
15 public schools are located in Washburn County.
What percentage of students in Washburn County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Washburn County are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washburn County?
Washburn County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public schools average of 34% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Washburn County are often viewed compared to one another?

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