Willmar Public School District

The Willmar Public School District in Minnesota operates 9 schools, including 3 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 2 alternative schools, serving students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The district faces significant challenges, with many schools performing below state averages, but there are also some standout institutions that are excelling in certain areas.

Willmar Middle School is the top-performing middle school in the district, ranking 284 out of 545 Minnesota middle schools and earning a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger. Its test scores, particularly in math, are generally higher than the district and state averages. Meanwhile, Kennedy Elementary stands out for its exceptional math proficiency, with over 60% of 5th graders scoring proficient or better on the MCA-III assessment, the highest in the district.

The district's alternative high schools, Willmar Area Learning Center and Prairie Lakes Education Center, face significant challenges, with much lower 4-year graduation rates and higher dropout rates compared to Willmar Senior High. The district as a whole grapples with high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, suggesting widespread socioeconomic challenges that may contribute to the lower academic performance seen in many of the schools.