51±¬ÁÏ

Paynesville Area Schools

801 Business 23 S
Paynesville, MN 56362-8888
(District boundaries shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%

Top Rankings

Paynesville Area Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:

Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 10%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 920 students in Paynesville Area Schools. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Minnesota.
Public Elementary Schools in Paynesville Area Schools 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
1,650 Schools
# Students
920 Students
571,582 Students
# Teachers
60 Teachers
40,337 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Paynesville Area Schools, 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.
This School District
State Average (MN)
#341 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
35%
46%
39%
51%
24%
41%
92%
84%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.17
0.61
% American Indian
n/a
2%
% Asian
n/a
7%
% Hispanic
6%
11%
% Black
n/a
13%
% 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 $17,866. The school district revenue/student has grown by 10% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $29,087 is higher than the state median of $18,593. The school district spending/student has grown by 72% over four school years.
This School District
This State (MN)
Total Revenue
$15 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$27 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$15,811
$17,866
Spending / Student
$29,087
$18,593

Best Paynesville Area Schools Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paynesville Area Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
205 W Mill St
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:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
795 Business 23 W
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Gr: 6-12 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%

Recent Articles

Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding 51±¬ÁÏ Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Understanding 51±¬ÁÏ Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 2 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 920 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 9%
  • : 92% (Top 10% in MN)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 35% (Btm 50%)
  • : 39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 24% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

Quick Links