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Prairie River Middle School

106 N Polk St
Merrill, WI 54452
(School attendance zone shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 541 students in grades 5-8, Prairie River Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is equal to the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 33% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Grades: 5-8
  • Enrollment: 541 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 10%
  • : Bottom 50% in WI
  • : 34% (Btm 50%)
  • : 38% (Top 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education

School Overview

Prairie River Middle School's student population of 541 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
541 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar

School Rankings

Prairie River Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Prairie River Middle School is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (WI)
#1075 out of 1962 schools
(Bottom 50%)
34%
40%
38%
38%
50-54%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
3%
14%
Black
1%
9%
White
90%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.19
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prairie River Middle School's ranking?
Prairie River Middle School is ranked #1075 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
How many students attend Prairie River Middle School?
541 students attend Prairie River Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Prairie River Middle School students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Prairie River Middle School?
Prairie River Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does Prairie River Middle School offer ?
Prairie River Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Prairie River Middle School part of?
Prairie River Middle School is part of Merrill Area School District.

School Reviews

5   4/7/2017
Perfect school
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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Grades: 5-8
  • Enrollment: 541 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 10%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 34% (Btm 50%)
  • : 38% (Top 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education

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