For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,015 students in Waupaca, WI (there are , serving 216 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Waupaca, WI are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
The top-ranked public schools in Waupaca, WI are Chain Exploration Center, Waupaca Learning Center Elementary School and Waupaca Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waupaca, WI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Wisconsin public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 38% statewide average). Schools in Waupaca have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Wisconsin public schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public school average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Waupaca, WI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chain Exploration Center
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
N3160 Silver Lake Dr
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Gr: PK-8 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Waupaca Learning Center Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1515 Shoemaker Rd
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4141
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4141
Gr: PK-4 | 620 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Waupaca Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1149 Shoemaker Rd
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4140
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4140
Gr: 5-8 | 536 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Waupaca High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
E 2325 King Rd
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4131
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4131
Gr: 9-12 | 605 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
E2325 King Rd
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4121
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4121
Gr: PK | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Waupaca, Wisconsin Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
N3160 Silver Lake Dr
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Gr: PK-1
950 Park Ave
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Gr: K-2 | 88 students Minority enrollment: 7%
Traeger Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
407 School St
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4124
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4124
Gr: 10-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Waupaca Accelerated Learning (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
407 School St
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4124
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4124
Gr: 10-12 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1
615 W Union St
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Waupaca, WI 54981
(715) 258-4151
Gr: K-2 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Waupaca, WI?
The top-ranked public schools in Waupaca, WI include Chain Exploration Center, Waupaca Learning Center Elementary School and Waupaca Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Waupaca?
5 public schools are located in Waupaca.
What percentage of students in Waupaca go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Waupaca are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in Waupaca?
Waupaca public schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public schools average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
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.