Serving 914 students in grades 6-8, Prairie Winds Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 914 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 37%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Prairie Winds Middle School's student population of 914 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
914 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Calendar
School Mascot
Cougars
School Rankings
Prairie Winds Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Prairie Winds Middle School is 0.56, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1126 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
3%
7%
Hispanic
8%
12%
Black
18%
12%
White
63%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prairie Winds Middle School's ranking?
Prairie Winds Middle School is ranked #1126 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Prairie Winds Middle School?
914 students attend Prairie Winds Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Prairie Winds Middle School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Prairie Winds Middle School?
Prairie Winds Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Prairie Winds Middle School offer ?
Prairie Winds Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Prairie Winds Middle School part of?
Prairie Winds Middle School is part of Mankato Public School District.
School Reviews
Review Prairie Winds Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.