Is Waconia High School a good school?

Waconia High School ranks 140 th of 480 Minnesota high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Waconia High School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,351 students attended Waconia High School.

What is the racial makeup of Waconia High School?

Students at Waconia High School are 89% White, 6% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races, 1% African American, 1% Asian.

What schools feed into Waconia High School?

Waconia High School is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Bayview Elementary Elementary : Southview Elementary Middle : Waconia Middle School

Waconia High School

Summary:

Waconia High School is a public high school serving grades 9-12 in Waconia, Minnesota, with a student population of 1,351. The school is part of the Waconia Public School District, which is ranked 34th out of 463 districts in the state and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Waconia High School consistently performs well academically, with higher proficiency rates on state assessments compared to the state average in Math, Reading, and Science. The school also maintains excellent graduation rates, with a 4-year graduation rate of 96.9% in 2021-2022, significantly higher than the state average. Additionally, Waconia High School has very low dropout rates, with a 0.3% dropout rate in 2021-2022, well below the state average. The school serves a relatively affluent student population, with only 11.47% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2022-2023.

Compared to nearby schools, Waconia High School generally outperforms its peers, particularly in academic achievement and graduation rates. However, the nearby Integrated Arts Academy and 112 Alternative Learning Center Independent Study have lower performance metrics, suggesting Waconia High School may serve a more advantaged student population. Overall, Waconia High School is a high-performing public high school with a strong academic track record and a robust educational environment.

Detail:

Public 9-12

1650 Community Dr
Waconia, MN 55387-8888

(952) 442-0670

District: Waconia Public School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
140^th of 480 Minnesota High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $13,875

Feeder schools for Waconia High School:

Elementary:	Bayview Elementary
	Southview Elementary
Middle:	Waconia Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 19.0

Number of students: 1,351

Racial breakdown:

White:

89.0%

Hispanic:

5.8%

Two or more races:

2.5%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 11.5%

See top rated Minnesota high schools

Compare Waconia High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Waconia High School ranks better than 70.8% of high schools in Minnesota. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 69.79. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Waconia High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Waconia High School has the largest high school student body size in the Waconia Public School District. Racial makeup is: White (89%), Hispanic (5.8%), two or more races (2.5%). (See more...)

Compare Details 11.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Waconia High School is 19. 2 high schools in the Waconia Public School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Waconia High School employs 70.8 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Waconia High School is $13,875, which is the 2^nd highest among 1 high schools in the Waconia Public School District.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Waconia High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Waconia High School 140^th of 480 Minnesota public high schools. (See Waconia High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Waconia Public School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Waconia Public School District 34^th of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Waconia High School.

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Your rating for Waconia High School?

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Rank History for Waconia High School

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Rank History for all students at Waconia High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2004	82.56	27^th	433	93.8%
2005	80.96	43^rd	452	90.5%
2006	83.34	62^nd	450	86.2%
2007	89.17	35^th	463	92.4%
2008	87.19	39^th	460	91.5%
2009	79.22	42^nd	234	82.1%
2010	78.15	76^th	540	85.9%
2011	78.89	70^th	545	87.2%
2012	77.71	80^th	539	85.2%
2013	79.76	62^nd	534	88.4%
2014	72.34	129^th	483	73.3%
2015	85.73	34^th	504	93.3%
2016	86.29	43^rd	489	91.2%
2017	88.74	29^th	489	94.1%
2018	79.73	83^rd	494	83.2%
2019	67.66	165^th	492	66.5%
2021	78.11	70^th	428	83.6%
2022	66.66	158^th	472	66.5%
2023	64.05	167^th	476	64.9%
2024	69.79	140^th	480	70.8%

See the entire list of Minnesota High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Waconia High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	67.37	16^th	51	68.6%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Waconia High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	70.58	39^th	195	80.0%
2019	44.61	124^th	220	43.6%
2021	67.55	46^th	173	73.4%
2022	37.24	146^th	214	31.8%
2023	59.17	74^th	216	65.7%
2024	42.44	132^nd	221	40.3%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Waconia High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	84.75	40^th	374	89.3%
2019	58.37	152^nd	370	58.9%
2021	88.33	14^th	270	94.8%
2022	81.04	36^th	312	88.5%
2023	43.12	231^st	393	41.2%
2024	36.65	262^nd	389	32.6%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Waconia High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	74.40	87^th	395	78.0%
2019	68.40	120^th	401	70.1%
2021	73.11	70^th	339	79.4%
2022	59.59	171^st	388	55.9%
2023	64.79	124^th	396	68.7%
2024	61.99	150^th	403	62.8%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Waconia High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	75.45	81^st	398	79.6%
2019	53.21	211^th	411	48.7%
2021	76.90	63^rd	351	82.1%
2022	61.93	148^th	403	63.3%
2023	53.42	194^th	398	51.3%
2024	67.10	120^th	405	70.4%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Waconia High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	79.72	16^th	129	87.6%
2019	68.59	34^th	132	74.2%
2021	87.23	7^th	101	93.1%
2022	49.16	68^th	135	49.6%
2023	49.52	62^nd	136	54.4%
2024	94.28	8^th	145	94.5%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Waconia High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	70.12	122^nd	414	70.5%
2019	52.03	221^st	412	46.4%
2021	66.75	111^th	364	69.5%
2022	52.37	212^th	401	47.1%
2023	50.37	203^rd	398	49.0%
2024	52.21	199^th	402	50.5%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)

100%

Reviews:

by a student
Thursday, February 8, 2018

I went to Waconia High School for a year and a half and all though they had a nice building, the people inside were not. I had a terrible experience and would not recommend this school to anyone, I was bullied and pushed out of this school. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Waconia High School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1994	453	1	3	0	0	n/a	n/a	457
1995	478	0	10	3	0	n/a	n/a	491
1996	478	0	10	3	0	n/a	n/a	491
1997	499	0	11	3	1	n/a	n/a	514
1998	537	2	10	6	1	n/a	n/a	556
1999	542	2	6	9	4	n/a	n/a	563
2000	587	2	8	10	4	n/a	n/a	611
2001	627	6	12	8	3	n/a	n/a	656
2002	671	7	11	8	3	n/a	n/a	700
2003	671	7	11	8	3	n/a	n/a	700
2004	689	16	16	9	4	n/a	n/a	734
2005	751	14	16	10	4	n/a	n/a	795
2006	807	12	19	17	6	n/a	n/a	861
2007	829	11	22	20	8	n/a	n/a	890
2008	838	9	19	22	6	n/a	n/a	894
2009	866	13	23	20	4	n/a	n/a	926
2010	916	20	21	24	1	n/a	n/a	982
2011	961	24	15	28	2	3	4	1037
2012	957	20	16	30	5	3	4	1035
2013	1007	18	14	31	2	1	3	1076
2014	1012	21	10	39	3	2	14	1101
2015	1023	14	14	34	2	2	14	1103
2016	1067	15	14	42	1	4	13	1156
2017	1118	9	9	40	2	3	17	1198
2018	1161	8	16	55	1	1	20	1262
2019	1171	3	13	64	1	1	27	1280
2020	1158	7	13	60	1	2	40	1281
2021	1176	11	15	69	1	2	36	1310
2022	1177	12	14	75	3	2	35	1318
2023	1203	16	14	78	4	2	34	1351

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Waconia High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1994	457	38.0	12.0	4.8
1995	491	26.6	18.5	4.1
1996	491	26.6	18.5	4.1
1997	514	30.4	16.9	4.5
1998	556	n/a	0.0	3.8
1999	563	34.7	16.2	4.4
2000	611	35.0	17.5	5.2
2001	656	34.8	18.9	5.6
2002	700	36.4	19.2	7.3
2003	700	36.4	19.2	7.3
2004	734	37.8	19.4	9
2005	795	35.3	22.5	7.8
2006	861	39.0	22.1	7.3
2007	890	45.2	19.7	8.7
2008	894	48.0	18.6	6.7
2009	926	50.5	18.3	8.3
2010	982	53.3	18.4	9.8
2011	1037	53.2	19.4	9.8
2012	1035	56.5	18.3	8.7
2013	1076	55.6	19.3	9.5
2014	1101	59.7	18.4	11.1
2015	1103	59.0	18.6	9.4
2016	1156	61.0	18.9	10.5
2017	1198	64.7	18.4	9.7
2018	1262	67.3	18.7	9.4
2019	1280	67.5	18.9	10.2
2020	1281	66.6	19.2	8.7
2021	1310	66.4	19.7	4.2
2022	1318	67.3	19.5	3.9
2023	1351	70.8	19.0	11.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Waconia High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1994	457	38.0	12.0	4.8
1995	491	26.6	18.5	4.1
1996	491	26.6	18.5	4.1
1997	514	30.4	16.9	4.5
1998	556	n/a	0.0	3.8
1999	563	34.7	16.2	4.4
2000	611	35.0	17.5	5.2
2001	656	34.8	18.9	5.6
2002	700	36.4	19.2	7.3
2003	700	36.4	19.2	7.3
2004	734	37.8	19.4	9
2005	795	35.3	22.5	7.8
2006	861	39.0	22.1	7.3
2007	890	45.2	19.7	8.7
2008	894	48.0	18.6	6.7
2009	926	50.5	18.3	8.3
2010	982	53.3	18.4	9.8
2011	1037	53.2	19.4	9.8
2012	1035	56.5	18.3	8.7
2013	1076	55.6	19.3	9.5
2014	1101	59.7	18.4	11.1
2015	1103	59.0	18.6	9.4
2016	1156	61.0	18.9	10.5
2017	1198	64.7	18.4	9.7
2018	1262	67.3	18.7	9.4
2019	1280	67.5	18.9	10.2
2020	1281	66.6	19.2	8.7
2021	1310	66.4	19.7	4.2
2022	1318	67.3	19.5	3.9
2023	1351	70.8	19.0	11.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Waconia High School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$13,875

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Waconia High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 165^th of 492 High schools	Ranks 167^th of 476 High schools	1.5%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
10th Grade Reading (Waconia High School)	55.7	47.4	8.3%
10th Grade Reading (Waconia Public School District)	54.6	46.7	7.9%
10th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	60.4	51.7	8.7%
11th Grade Math (Waconia High School)	49	48.3	0.7%
11th Grade Math (Waconia Public School District)	45.2	46.4	1.3%
11th Grade Math (Minnesota)	45	36	9%
End of Course Science (Waconia High School)	58.5	37.1	21.4%
End of Course Science (Waconia Public School District)	57.3	36.4	20.9%
End of Course Science (Minnesota)	54.4	41.8	12.5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1280	1351	5.5%
African American	3	16	433.3%
American Indian	1	4	300%
Asian	13	14	7.7%
Hispanic	64	78	21.9%
Pacific Islander	1	2	100%
White	1171	1203	2.7%
Two or More Races	27	34	25.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	10.2%	11.5%	1.3%

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCA-III Math (2024)		MCA-III Reading (2024)		MCA-III Science (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCA-III Math 11th Grade	MCA-III Math All Grades	MCA-III Reading 10th Grade	MCA-III Reading All Grades	MCA-III Science End of Course	MCA-III Science All Grades	Total
Waconia High School	Public	9-12	1650 Community Dr	Waconia	55387	Carver County	Waconia Public School District	No	No	No	No	(952) 442-0670	1,351	71	19.0	11.5%	1,203 (89.0%)	16 (1.2%)	78 (5.8%)	14 (1.0%)	4 (0.3%)	2 (0.1%)	34 (2.5%)	69.8	140^th of 480 public high schools	70.8%		64	167^th of 476 public high schools	64.9%	27	48.4	48.4	50.4	50.4	43.8	43.8	$13,875
Waconia Learning Center Ss/As	Public	9-12	1800 Community Dr	Waconia	55387	Carver County	Waconia Public School District	No	No	No	No	(952) 442-0690	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)							$4,905
Waconia Learning Center	Public	9-12	1800 Community Dr	Waconia	55387	Carver County	Waconia Public School District	No	No	No	No	(952) 442-0670	31	4	7.5	32.3%	24 (77.4%)	1 (3.2%)	6 (19.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)	0.0	0.0					$10,730
Transitions 110	Public	12	504 Industrial Blvd	Waconia	55387	Carver County	Waconia Public School District	No	No	No	No	(952) 442-0600	9	2	5.4	44.4%	8 (88.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (11.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)							$41,138
Central Senior High	Public	9-12	531 Morse St	Norwood Young America	55368	Carver County	Central Public School District	No	No	No	No	(952) 467-7100	334	19	17.4	19.8%	291 (87.1%)	2 (0.6%)	23 (6.9%)	3 (0.9%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (3.9%)	71.1	133^rd of 480 public high schools	72.3%		53.3	233^rd of 476 public high schools	51.1%	100	38.9	38.9	56.1	56.1	44.6	44.6	$13,632
Watertown Mayer High	Public	9-12	1001 Highway 25 NW	Watertown	55388	Carver County	Watertown-Mayer Public School District	No	No	No	No	(952) 955-0600	488	29	16.6	28.5%	459 (94.1%)	5 (1.0%)	13 (2.7%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (1.8%)	81.2	67^th of 480 public high schools	86.0%		60.3	193^rd of 476 public high schools	59.5%	126	40.2	40.2	63.0	63.0	53.8	53.8	$12,427
WM - Connections	Public	9-12	1001 Highway 25 NW	Watertown	55388	Carver County	Watertown-Mayer Public School District	No	No	No	No	(952) 955-0600	0	1	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)							$16,192
Integrated Arts Academy	Public	9-12	11 Peavey Rd	Chaska	55318	Carver County	Eastern Carver County Public School	No	No	No	No	(952) 556-6200	72	7	10.4	48.6%	48 (66.7%)	4 (5.6%)	9 (12.5%)	1 (1.4%)	3 (4.2%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (9.7%)								(n/a)			20.0	20.0			$19,135
112 Alternative Learning Center Independent Study	Public	9-12	11 Peavey Rd	Chaska	55318	Carver County	Eastern Carver County Public School	No	No	No	No	(952) 556-6192	39	0		25.6%	22 (56.4%)	2 (5.1%)	8 (20.5%)	3 (7.7%)	1 (2.6%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (7.7%)								(n/a)							$16,581
112 Alternative Learning Center Seat-Based	Public	6-12	11 Peavey Rd	Chaska	55318	Carver County	Eastern Carver County Public School	No	No	No	No	(952) 556-6192	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)							$2,922

Waconia High School

Waconia High School:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Waconia Public School District:

Average Rating:

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Rank History for Waconia High School

Rank History for all students at Waconia High School

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Waconia High School

Rank History for Special Education students at Waconia High School

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Waconia High School

Rank History for Female students at Waconia High School

Rank History for Male students at Waconia High School

Rank History for Hispanic students at Waconia High School

Rank History for White students at Waconia High School

Review counts

Enrollment information for Waconia High School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Waconia High School

Student/Teacher Ratio Waconia High School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Waconia High School

Impact of COVID-19 on Waconia High School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

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Frequently Asked Questions about Waconia High School

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