Top Rankings
West Central Area School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 20%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 281 students in West Central Area School District. This district's average pre testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public pre schools in Minnesota.
Public Preschools in West Central Area School District have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 47% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
5 Schools
721 Schools
# Students
750 Students
214,483 Students
# Teachers
68 Teachers
16,892 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
West Central Area School District, which is ranked within the top 20% 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 90% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#91 out of 525 school districts
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
41%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥90%
84%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.16
0.63
% American Indian
n/a
2%
% Asian
n/a
7%
% Hispanic
4%
13%
% Black
1%
13%
% White
92%
58%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $16,595 in this school district is less than the state median of $17,866. The school district revenue/student has grown by 11% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $16,272 is less than the state median of $18,593. The school district spending/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$12 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$12 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$16,595
$17,866
Spending / Student
$16,272
$18,593
Best West Central Area School District Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Central Area N. Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
411 1st St Se
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
(218) 685-7500
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
(218) 685-7500
Gr: PK-4 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
West Central Area S. Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
31 N Central
Kensington, MN 56343
(320) 965-7600
Kensington, MN 56343
(320) 965-7600
Gr: PK-4 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Recent Articles
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
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 Public School 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.
