- KING ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–5 · 390 students
- Deer River Schools SPED — Grades K–5 · 5 students
- Deer River High School ALP — Grades 10–12 · 13 students
- DEER RIVER SECONDARY — Grades 6–12 · 425 students
| Metric | Deer River Public School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 885 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer River Public School District (this district) | 5/10 | 49th | 885 |
| Fillmore Central | 7/10 | 67th | 589 |
| Plainview-Elgin-Millville | 8/10 | 79th | 1,502 |
| Pine Island Public School District | 9/10 | 81st | 1,541 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 489 rated districts in MN → 49th percentile → 5/10.
Source: Minnesota Dept. of Education MCA/MTAS, all grades Percent Proficient, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Deer River Public School District
Zip code 56657 in Marcell, Minnesota is served by Deer River Public School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Deer River Public School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
With a rating of 5/10 (average), Deer River Public School District ranks among Minnesota’s below-average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Minnesota’s MCA/MTAS assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Minnesota is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Deer River Public School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Minnesota on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 56657
Children in zip code 56657 are assigned to Deer River Public School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 56657, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Deer River Public School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Minnesota districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Marcell
For families considering a purchase in the Marcell area, district assignment matters financially. Because Deer River Public School District serves zip code 56657, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 56657. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Minnesota, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Deer River Public School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 56657.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Deer River Public School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 56657 data.