Average
#1176 of 1,992 schools in MN
Motley-staples Middle School
Middle School · STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
401 CENTENNIAL DR, Staples, MN 56479
Enrollment
291
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
5.9
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
291
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
5.9
Grades
5th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Minnesota schools
#1,176 of 1,992
In Staples
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#2 of 3
STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Shortlisting around Motley-staples Middle School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Motley-staples Middle School
Middle School in Staples · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Staples-motley Senior High
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Sacred Heart Area School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Motley-staples Middle School
Motley-staples Middle School is a public middle school in Staples, MN, part of STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Motley-staples Middle School serves approximately 291 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 15.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Motley-staples Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,176 of 1,992 schools in MN.
Structured state assessment records for Motley-staples Middle School show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.9 · Average
- MN avg 5.8
What Parents Should Know
Motley-staples Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
33% of students at Motley-staples Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Motley-staples Middle School — Students at Motley-staples Middle School score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
52.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 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: 6.3/10.
How Motley-staples Middle School Compares
See how Motley-staples Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
401 CENTENNIAL DR, Staples, MN 56479
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Motley-staples Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Pillager Middle School (rated 5.2/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby Pillager), with a comparable rating. Additionally, LIVING WATERS MENNONITE SCHOOL (rated 4.0/10, 16.6 miles away, in nearby Browerville), a more accessible option. For more schools in Staples, see our Staples schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| STAPLES-MOTLEY SENIOR HIGH Staples | 0.0 mi | 7.8 |
| SACRED HEART AREA SCHOOL Staples | 0.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Staples-Motley Elementary Staples | 0.4 mi | 5.3 |
| VERNDALE AREA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Verndale | 10.1 mi | — |
| VERNDALE ELEMENTARY Verndale | 10.8 mi | 4.6 |
| VERNDALE SECONDARY Verndale | 10.8 mi | 5.9 |
| LIVING WATERS MENNONITE SCHOOL Browerville | 16.6 mi | 4.0 |
| CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL Browerville | 19.1 mi | 6.2 |
| BERTHA ELEMENTARY Bertha | 14.3 mi | 9.0 |
| BERTHA SECONDARY Bertha | 14.3 mi | 7.4 |
| BROWERVILLE SECONDARY Browerville | 19.2 mi | 7.0 |
| BROWERVILLE ELEMENTARY Browerville | 19.2 mi | 6.4 |
| Central Lakes Adventure School Pillager | 14.9 mi | 6.3 |
| PILLAGER ELEMENTARY Pillager | 15.7 mi | 8.4 |
| Pillager Senior High School Pillager | 15.7 mi | 7.0 |
| Pillager Middle School Pillager | 15.7 mi | 5.2 |
| Freshwater Education District ALC Wadena | 16.5 mi | 6.5 |
| White Pine Academy Wadena | 16.5 mi | — |
| EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION Wadena | 16.5 mi | — |
| LEAF RIVER ACADEMY Wadena | 16.5 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 56479 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,009
Median Home Value
$177,500
Median Rent
$856/mo
Population
5,018
College Educated
22.7%
Homeownership
78.6%
Avg Commute
22.4 min
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Median Age
42.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CENTRAL MIDDLE Norwood Young America, MN | 6.0 |
| MINNEWASKA AREA JUNIOR HIGH Glenwood, MN | 5.8 |
| Red Lake Middle School Red Lake, MN | 5.8 |
| WINDOM MIDDLE Windom, MN | 5.8 |
| GREENWAY MIDDLE Coleraine, MN | 6.1 |
| Minnewaska Area Intermediate School Glenwood, MN | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Motley-staples Middle School
What grades does Motley-staples Middle School serve?
Motley-staples Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Motley-staples Middle School?
Motley-staples Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 291 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Motley-staples Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Motley-staples Middle School is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Motley-staples Middle School rank in MN?
Motley-staples Middle School ranks #1,176 of 1,992 schools in MN.
What is Motley-staples Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Motley-staples Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Motley-staples Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Motley-staples Middle School has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Motley-staples Middle School a charter school?
No, Motley-staples Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Motley-staples Middle School a Title I school?
No, Motley-staples Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Motley-staples Middle School?
52.6% of students at Motley-staples Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 291
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 19
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 52.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Todd County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 33.3%
- Phone
- (218) 894-5400
Resources & Links
District
STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 888
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,990
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.