Top Rankings
Paynesville Area Schools School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 10%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 920 students in Paynesville Area Schools School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Minnesota.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Elementary Schools in Paynesville Area Schools School District have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
2 Schools
1,655 Schools
# Students
920 Students
571,925 Students
# Teachers
60 Teachers
40,363 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Paynesville Area Schools School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 520 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 92% has decreased from 95% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#341 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
41%
Graduation Rate
92%
84%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.17
0.61
% American Indian
n/a
2%
% Asian
n/a
7%
% Hispanic
6%
12%
% Black
n/a
12%
% White
91%
60%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $15,811 in this school district is less than the state median of $17,854. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $29,087 is higher than the state median of $18,580. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$15 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$27 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$15,811
$17,854
Spending / Student
$29,087
$18,580
Best Paynesville Area Schools School District ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Elementary Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paynesville Area Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 W Mill St
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Gr: PK-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Paynesville Area Secondary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
795 Business 23 W
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Gr: 6-12 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Recent Articles
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
