For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,015 students in 54981, WI (there are , serving 216 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in 54981, WI are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
The top-ranked public schools in 54981, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 54981 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 54981, WI have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% 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 54981, WI Public Schools (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%
54981, 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 54981, WI?
The top-ranked public schools in 54981, WI include Chain Exploration Center, Waupaca Learning Center Elementary School and Waupaca Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 54981?
5 public schools are located in 54981.
What percentage of students in 54981 go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in 54981 are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in 54981?
54981 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
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.