For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,993 students in Watonwan County, MN (there are , serving 106 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Watonwan County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Watonwan County, MN are St. James Northside Elementary School, Madelia Elementary School and Madelia Secondary. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Watonwan County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Watonwan County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Watonwan County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
St. James Northside Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1273 10th Ave N
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3325
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3325
Grades: K-5
| 492 students
Rank: #22.
Madelia Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
121 E Main St
Madelia, MN 56062
(507) 642-3234
Madelia, MN 56062
(507) 642-3234
Grades: PK-6
| 344 students
Rank: #33.
Madelia Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
320 Buck Ave Se
Madelia, MN 56062
(507) 642-3232
Madelia, MN 56062
(507) 642-3232
Grades: 7-12
| 289 students
Rank: #44.
St. James Middle/high School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1001 10th Ave N
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3381
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3381
Grades: 6-12
| 581 students
Rank: #55.
Butterfield Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
440 Hubbard Ave
Butterfield, MN 56120
(507) 956-2771
Butterfield, MN 56120
(507) 956-2771
Grades: PK-6
| 103 students
Rank: #66.
Butterfield Secondary
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
440 Hubbard Ave
Butterfield, MN 56120
(507) 956-2771
Butterfield, MN 56120
(507) 956-2771
Grades: 7-12
| 107 students
Rank: n/an/a
500 3rd Ave S
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3325
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3325
Grades: PK
| 67 students
Rank: n/an/a
St. James Early Childhood
Special Education School
500 3rd Avenue South
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3321
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3321
Grades: PK
| 10 students
Watonwan County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
320 Buck Ave Se
Madelia, MN 56062
(507) 642-3232
Madelia, MN 56062
(507) 642-3232
Grades: 9-12
| 2 students
1001 10th Avenue N.
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3381
Saint James, MN 56081
(507) 375-3381
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Watonwan County, MN?
The top ranked public schools in Watonwan County, MN include St. James Northside Elementary School, Madelia Elementary School and Madelia Secondary.
How many public schools are located in Watonwan County?
8 public schools are located in Watonwan County.
What percentage of students in Watonwan County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Watonwan County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Watonwan County?
Watonwan County public schools minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Minnesota public schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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