Top Rankings
Wadena-Deer Creek School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 632 students in Wadena-Deer Creek School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Minnesota.
Public Elementary Schools in Wadena-Deer Creek School District have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 14% 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
3 Schools
1,655 Schools
# Students
1,112 Students
571,925 Students
# Teachers
66 Teachers
40,363 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Wadena-Deer Creek 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 82% has increased from 80-84% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#308 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
41%
Graduation Rate
82%
84%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.26
0.61
% American Indian
1%
2%
% Asian
n/a
7%
% Hispanic
5%
12%
% Black
1%
12%
% White
86%
60%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $14,819 in this school district is less than the state median of $17,854. The school district revenue/student has declined by 7% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $14,482 is less than the state median of $18,580. The school district spending/student has declined by 7% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$17 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$16 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,819
$17,854
Spending / Student
$14,482
$18,580
Best Wadena-Deer Creek School District Public Elementary Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wadena-deer Creek 5th And 6th Grade
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
600 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Gr: 5-6 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Wadena-deer Creek Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
215 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2400
Gr: PK-4 | 464 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Recent Articles

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.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public 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.