For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public high schools serving 2,554 students in Wadena County, MN.
The top-ranked public high schools in Wadena County, MN are Staples-motley Senior High School, White Pine Academy and Menahga Public schools. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wadena County, MN public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Minnesota public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Wadena County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public high schools.
Wadena County, MN public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is more than the Minnesota average of 83%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Staples-motley Senior High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Minnesota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public High Schools in Wadena County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Staples-motley Senior High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
401 Centennial Dr
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2431
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2431
Gr: 9-12 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
White Pine Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 5-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Menahga Public schools
(Math: <50% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
216 Aspen Ave Se
Menahga, MN 56464
(651) 334-3732
Menahga, MN 56464
(651) 334-3732
Gr: PK-12 | 1,144 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #44.
Sebeka Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 1st St Nw
Sebeka, MN 56477
(218) 837-5101
Sebeka, MN 56477
(218) 837-5101
Gr: 7-12 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
600 Colfax Ave Sw
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2300
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 632-2300
Gr: 7-12 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Verndale Secondary
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
411 Sw Brown St
Verndale, MN 56481
(218) 445-5184
Verndale, MN 56481
(218) 445-5184
Gr: 7-12 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #77.
Freshwater Education District Alc
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 6-12 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #88.
Leaf River Academy
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: K-12 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Elm Tree Academy
Special Education School
2222 Industrial Drive
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Wadena, MN 56482
(218) 631-3505
Gr: 2-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Wadena County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1100 Fifth St N.e.
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2439
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2439
Gr: 9-12
Freshwater Targeted Services (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1100 5th Street Ne Suite 2
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2439
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-2439
216 Aspen Avenue Se
Menahga, MN 56464
(218) 564-4141
Menahga, MN 56464
(218) 564-4141
Gr: 5-8 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Mn Collaborative Online Learning (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
200 First Street Ne
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5469
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-5469
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Wadena County, MN?
The top-ranked public high schools in Wadena County, MN include Staples-motley Senior High School, White Pine Academy and Menahga Public schools.
How many public high schools are located in Wadena County?
9 public high schools are located in Wadena County.
What is the racial composition of students in Wadena County?
Wadena County public high schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public high schools in Wadena County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Wadena County include: Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School vs. Verndale Secondary, Verndale Secondary vs. Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.
Building a Summer Reading Plan That Keeps Kids Engaged
Learn how to build a summer reading plan that keeps kids engaged, motivated, and improving literacy skills throughout the break.