📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (MCA 2024–25), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
Minnesota: 73 Rated Districts
MCA 2024–25 · percentile among Minnesota districts
Wisconsin: 12 Rated Districts
Forward Exam 2024–25 · percentile among Wisconsin districts
| Rank in WI | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Prescott School District | Prescott | 10/10 Excellent | 92nd |
| #2 | Elmwood School District | Elmwood | 10/10 Excellent | 90th |
| #3 | Spring Valley School District | Spring Valley | 9/10 Excellent | 88th |
| #4 | Hudson School District | Hudson | 9/10 Excellent | 87th |
| #5 | Somerset School District | Somerset | 9/10 Excellent | 82nd |
| #6 | River Falls School District | River Falls | 8/10 Good | 79th |
| #7 | New Richmond School District | New Richmond | 8/10 Good | 78th |
| #8 | St. Croix Central School District | Hammond | 8/10 Good | 70th |
| #9 | Baldwin-Woodville Area School District | Baldwin | 7/10 Good | 67th |
| #10 | Ellsworth Community School District | Ellsworth | 6/10 Average | 52nd |
| #11 | Plum City School District | Plum City | 4/10 Below Average | 39th |
| #12 | Glenwood City School District | Glenwood City | 3/10 Below Average | 22nd |
Best School Districts in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 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 MCA 2024–25 (Minnesota); Forward Exam 2024–25 (Wisconsin) 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 Minnesota part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area? ▼
Among the 73 rated districts in the Minnesota part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area, 2 share the top position at 10/10 (Excellent), 99th percentile of Minnesota districts on MCA 2024–25 reading and math proficiency: Minnetonka Public School District (Minnetonka); Westonka Public School District (Minnetrista).
What is the best-rated school district in the Wisconsin part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area? ▼
Among the 12 rated districts in the Wisconsin part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area, the highest-rated is Prescott School District (Prescott), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 92nd percentile of Wisconsin districts on Forward Exam 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.