For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 904 students in Paynesville, MN.
The top-ranked public schools in Paynesville, MN are Paynesville Area Elementary School and Paynesville Area Secondary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Paynesville, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Paynesville have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Paynesville, MN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paynesville Area Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 W Mill St
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Paynesville Area Secondary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
795 Business 23 S
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Gr: 6-12 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
Wced 18-22 Program
Special Education School
805 E State Highway 55
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 256-6026
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 256-6026
Gr: 12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Paynesville, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Paynesville, MN include Paynesville Area Elementary School and Paynesville Area Secondary School.
How many public schools are located in Paynesville?
3 public schools are located in Paynesville.
What is the racial composition of students in Paynesville?
Paynesville public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.