Skip to main content

Very Good

#285 of 1,992 schools in MN

Top 14% in state

Staples-motley Senior High

High School · STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

401 CENTENNIAL DR, Staples, MN 56479

Enrollment

318

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

7.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Minnesota schools

#285 of 1,992

In Staples

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Academic growth

8.6 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Staples-motley Senior High?

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.

Staples-motley Senior High

7.8/10

High School in Staples · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Motley-staples Middle School

5.9/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Sacred Heart Area School

7.1/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Staples-motley Senior High

Staples-motley Senior High is a public high school in Staples, MN, part of STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Staples-motley Senior High serves approximately 318 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Staples-motley Senior High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #285 of 1,992 schools in MN.

Structured state assessment records for Staples-motley Senior High show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.6 pts above MN schools
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • MN avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Staples-motley Senior High 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.56 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendStable
Academics7.1Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency37% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency62% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency50% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+2.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile57th
College Readiness9.2Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,990
Chronic Absenteeism13.2%

Staples-motley Senior High — Students at Staples-motley Senior High score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

38.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 34.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 60.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from MN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
32%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
27%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
32%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
32%
ELA
62%
2013
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
62%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
37%
ELA
62%

* 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: 8.6/10.

How Staples-motley Senior High Compares

See how Staples-motley Senior High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.8/10
86th percentile in MN
Academic
7.1/10
Very Good
Growth
8.6/10
Excellent
Environment
5.8/10
Average
Sports
12
6 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
13.2%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics12sports offered
6 boys'·6 girls'·22 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

401 CENTENNIAL DR, Staples, MN 56479

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Staples-motley Senior High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. BERTHA SECONDARY (rated 7.4/10, 14.3 miles away, in nearby Bertha), with a comparable rating. Another option is BROWERVILLE SECONDARY (rated 7.0/10, 19.2 miles away, in nearby Browerville), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Pillager Senior High School (rated 7.0/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby Pillager), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Staples, see our Staples schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.5 mi
School Distance Rating
MOTLEY-STAPLES MIDDLE SCHOOL Staples 0.0 mi 5.9
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
MARSHALL COUNTY CENTRAL HIGH Newfolden, MN 7.8
Murray County Central High School Slayton, MN 7.8
NEVIS SECONDARY Nevis, MN 7.8
LAKEVIEW SECONDARY Cottonwood, MN 7.7
MADELIA SECONDARY Madelia, MN 7.7
MARTIN COUNTY WEST SENIOR HIGH Sherburn, MN 7.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Staples-motley Senior High

What grades does Staples-motley Senior High serve?

Staples-motley Senior High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Staples-motley Senior High?

Staples-motley Senior High has an enrollment of approximately 318 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Staples-motley Senior High?

The student-teacher ratio at Staples-motley Senior High is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Staples-motley Senior High rank in MN?

Staples-motley Senior High ranks #285 of 1,992 schools in MN.

What is Staples-motley Senior High's MySchoolScout rating?

Staples-motley Senior High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Staples-motley Senior High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Staples-motley Senior High has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Staples-motley Senior High a charter school?

No, Staples-motley Senior High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Staples-motley Senior High a Title I school?

No, Staples-motley Senior High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Staples-motley Senior High?

38.7% of students at Staples-motley Senior High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
55 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
42 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
318
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
19
Free/Reduced Lunch
38.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Todd County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
13.2%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

STAPLES-MOTLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
888
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,990
District Rank
#1 of 3

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 rate

Related 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.