📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (Forward Exam 2024–25), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
Wisconsin: 11 Rated Districts
Forward Exam 2024–25 · percentile among Wisconsin districts
| Rank in WI | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | West Salem School District | West Salem | 9/10 Excellent | 84th |
| #2 | Holmen School District | Holmen | 8/10 Good | 79th |
| #3 | Onalaska School District | Onalaska | 7/10 Good | 67th |
| #4 | Viroqua Area School District | Viroqua | 7/10 Good | 67th |
| #5 | Westby Area School District | Westby | 6/10 Average | 51st |
| #6 | Bangor School District | Bangor | 5/10 Average | 45th |
| #7 | De Soto Area School District | De Soto | 4/10 Below Average | 39th |
| #8 | Kickapoo Area School District | Viola | 3/10 Below Average | 22nd |
| #9 | La Crosse School District | La Crosse | 2/10 Poor | 19th |
| #10 | Hillsboro School District | Hillsboro | 2/10 Poor | 10th |
| #11 | La Farge School District | La Farge | 1/10 Poor | 8th |
Minnesota: 4 Rated Districts
MCA 2024–25 · percentile among Minnesota districts
| Rank in MN | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Caledonia Public School District | Caledonia | 10/10 Excellent | 93rd |
| #2 | Spring Grove School District | Spring Grove | 9/10 Excellent | 81st |
| #3 | La Crescent-Hokah School District | La Crescent | 6/10 Average | 52nd |
| #4 | Houston Public School District | Houston | 5/10 Average | 45th |
Best School Districts in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Metro Area (2026)
This metro area crosses state lines, so it is shown as one table per state. Each state rates its districts on its own test, and a 9/10 in one state is not comparable with a 9/10 in another.
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from Forward Exam 2024–25 (Wisconsin); MCA 2024–25 (Minnesota) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the Wisconsin part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metro area? ▼
Among the 11 rated districts in the Wisconsin part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metro area, the highest-rated is West Salem School District (West Salem), rated 9/10 (Excellent) and in the 84th percentile of Wisconsin districts on Forward Exam 2024–25 reading and math proficiency.
What is the best-rated school district in the Minnesota part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metro area? ▼
Among the 4 rated districts in the Minnesota part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metro area, the highest-rated is Caledonia Public School District (Caledonia), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 93rd percentile of Minnesota districts on MCA 2024–25 reading and math proficiency.
Can I compare districts across state lines here? ▼
No. Each state uses its own assessment, so ratings and percentiles are only comparable among districts in the same state. Full methodology here.