For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,043 students in 54981, WI (there are 2 private schools, serving 216 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in 54981, WI are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
The top-ranked public schools in 54981, WI are Chain Exploration Center, Waupaca Learning Center Elementary School and Waupaca Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 54981 have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Wisconsin public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 39% statewide average). Schools in 54981, WI have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Wisconsin public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public school average of 34% (majority Hispanic).
Best 54981, WI Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chain Exploration Center
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
N3160 Silver Lake Dr
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Gr: PK-8 | 139 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Waupaca Learning Center Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1515 Shoemaker Rd
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4141
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4141
Gr: PK-4 | 602 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Waupaca Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1149 Shoemaker Rd
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4140
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4140
Gr: 5-8 | 546 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Waupaca High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
E 2325 King Rd
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4131
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4131
Gr: 9-12 | 623 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
E2325 King Rd
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4121
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4121
Gr: PK | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 54981, WI?
The top-ranked public schools in 54981, WI include Chain Exploration Center, Waupaca Learning Center Elementary School and Waupaca Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 54981?
5 public schools are located in 54981.
What percentage of students in 54981 go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in 54981 are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in 54981?
54981 public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public schools average of 34% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
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
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
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.