Average
#1060 of 1,986 schools in MN
Lester Prairie Elementary
Elementary School · LESTER PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST.
131 HICKORY ST N, Lester Prairie, MN 55354
Enrollment
217
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
217
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lester Prairie
#1 of 2
public schools
Minnesota elementary schools
#647 of 962
In district
#1 of 2
LESTER PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST.
Academic performance
7.1 / 10
Strong
About Lester Prairie Elementary
Lester Prairie Elementary is a charming rural school nestled in the heart of Lester Prairie, Minnesota. Serving students from pre-K through sixth grade, this regular public elementary school offers a nurturing environment with an enrollment of 217 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.8:1. With 17 full-time equivalent teachers, Lester Prairie Elementary ensures that each child receives personalized attention and support.
The school’s academic performance places it in the 58th percentile among Minnesota schools, with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and an Academic Score of 6.4 out of 10. In reading and math proficiency tests, about half of the students are meeting or exceeding state standards, indicating areas for continued growth and development. Lester Prairie Elementary is situated in a tight-knit rural community where students benefit from a close-knit school atmosphere that fosters strong relationships between teachers, parents, and students.
The setting offers a peaceful environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Lester Prairie Elementary may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Lester Prairie Elementary — Students at Lester Prairie Elementary score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
38.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from MN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.5/10.
How Lester Prairie Elementary Compares
See how Lester Prairie Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 52% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 47% (2022).
Location
131 HICKORY ST N, Lester Prairie, MN 55354
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Lester Prairie Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. CENTRAL ELEMENTARY (rated 7.3/10, 9.7 miles away, in nearby Norwood Young America), which scores notably higher. Another option is EMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Hamburg), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, LAKESIDE ELEMENTARY (rated 6.9/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Glencoe), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Lester Prairie, see our Lester Prairie schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| LESTER PRAIRIE SECONDARY Lester Prairie | 0.0 mi | 6.0 |
| HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL Winsted | 5.4 mi | 6.6 |
| WINSTED ELEMENTARY Winsted | 5.6 mi | 6.1 |
| HOWARD LAKE WAVERLY WINSTED ECSE Winsted | 5.6 mi | — |
| HOWARD LAKE-WAVERLY-WINSTED SEC. Howard Lake | 9.8 mi | 3.0 |
| Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Middle Howard Lake | 9.8 mi | 5.2 |
| GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE SENIOR HIGH Glencoe | 9.0 mi | 2.7 |
| GSL Junior High School Glencoe | 9.0 mi | 3.3 |
| Lincoln Elementary Glencoe | 9.0 mi | 6.6 |
| SWWC Alternative Learning Center - Glencoe | 9.0 mi | — |
| LAKESIDE ELEMENTARY Glencoe | 7.5 mi | 6.9 |
| ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL Mayer | 7.5 mi | 4.2 |
| FIRST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Glencoe | 9.4 mi | 5.9 |
| MAYER LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL Mayer | 7.8 mi | 6.4 |
| CENTRAL ELEMENTARY Norwood Young America | 9.7 mi | 7.3 |
| ST JOHN S LUTHERAN SCHOOL Young America | 9.5 mi | 5.9 |
| CENTRAL SENIOR HIGH Norwood Young America | 9.8 mi | 7.3 |
| CENTRAL MIDDLE Norwood Young America | 9.8 mi | 4.4 |
| SUNSHINE HOUSE Hamburg | 11.2 mi | — |
| EMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Hamburg | 11.2 mi | 7.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 55354 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$94,950
Median Home Value
$243,600
Median Rent
$761/mo
Population
3,089
College Educated
17.7%
Homeownership
89%
Avg Commute
27.5 min
Poverty Rate
4.6%
Median Age
36.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Lester Prairie Elementary has a median household income of $94,950. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $243,600, with a median rent of $761/month. The local poverty rate of 4.6% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| EDGERTON ELEMENTARY Edgerton, MN | 6.2 |
| North Metro Flex Academy North Saint Paul, MN | 6.2 |
| Zanewood Community School STEAM Brooklyn Park, MN | 6.2 |
| EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Circle Pines, MN | 6.3 |
| GARFIELD ELEMENTARY Brainerd, MN | 6.3 |
| LINCOLN ELEMENTARY Saint Cloud, MN | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lester Prairie Elementary
What grades does Lester Prairie Elementary serve?
Lester Prairie Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Lester Prairie Elementary?
Lester Prairie Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 217 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Lester Prairie Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Lester Prairie Elementary is 12.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Lester Prairie Elementary rank in MN?
Lester Prairie Elementary is ranked #1060 out of 1,986 schools in MN.
What is Lester Prairie Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Lester Prairie Elementary has a composite rating of 6.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Lester Prairie Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Lester Prairie Elementary has 52.0% math proficiency and 52.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Lester Prairie Elementary a charter school?
No, Lester Prairie Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Lester Prairie Elementary a Title I school?
No, Lester Prairie Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lester Prairie Elementary?
38.7% of students at Lester Prairie Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Average (263/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Lester Prairie). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 217
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 38.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- McLeod County
- Phone
- (320) 395-2521
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
LESTER PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST.- District Enrollment
- 459
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,162
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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