Below Average
#1800 of 2,105 schools in WI
Northern Waters Environmental School
High School · Hayward Community School District
15930 W 5th St, Hayward, WI 54843
Enrollment
42
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
4.5
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
42
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
4.5
Grades
6th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Wisconsin schools
#1,800 of 2,105
In Hayward
#5 of 6
public schools
In district
#5 of 6
Hayward Community School District
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Northern Waters Environmental School
High School in Hayward · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Hayward High
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hayward Middle
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Northern Waters Environmental School
Northern Waters Environmental School is a public high school in Hayward, WI, part of Hayward Community School District. Northern Waters Environmental School serves approximately 42 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Northern Waters Environmental School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,800 of 2,105 schools in WI.
Structured state assessment records for Northern Waters Environmental School show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2025).
- This school 4.5 · Below Average
- District avg 4.8
- WI avg 5.5
What Parents Should Know
At 42 students, Northern Waters Environmental School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Northern Waters Environmental School is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.
Northern Waters Environmental 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Northern Waters Environmental School — Students at Northern Waters Environmental School score 35% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
47.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)
Based on 26 test records from WI 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: 4.5/10.
How Northern Waters Environmental School Compares
See how Northern Waters Environmental School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
15930 W 5th St, Hayward, WI 54843
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Northern Waters Environmental School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Northwood High/Middle (rated 5.8/10, 18.3 miles away, in nearby Minong), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hayward High (rated 5.1/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Drummond High (rated 5.1/10, 25.7 miles away, in nearby Drummond), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Hayward, see our Hayward schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 25.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hayward High Hayward | 0.1 mi | 5.1 |
| Hayward Middle Hayward | 0.5 mi | 7.7 |
| Hayward Intermediate Hayward | 0.9 mi | 8.9 |
| Hayward Primary Hayward | 1.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Hayward Ctr for Individualized Learning Hayward | 1.8 mi | 3.2 |
| NORTHWOODS MENNONITE SCHOOL Hayward | 7.4 mi | 4.7 |
| WOLI/Akii'gikinoo'amaading Environmental School Hayward | 8.0 mi | — |
| Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa School Hayward | 8.0 mi | — |
| ST FRANCIS SOLANUS SCHOOL Stone Lake | 9.6 mi | — |
| NorthStar Community Charter School Minong | 18.3 mi | 7.5 |
| Northwood High/Middle Minong | 18.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Northwood Elementary Minong | 18.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Northwood Virtual Charter School Minong | 18.3 mi | — |
| Birchwood Public Montessori Birchwood | 24.3 mi | — |
| Birchwood Elementary Birchwood | 24.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Birchwood High Birchwood | 24.3 mi | 4.5 |
| Bobcat Virtual Academy Birchwood | 24.3 mi | — |
| Birchwood Middle Birchwood | 24.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Drummond High Drummond | 25.7 mi | 5.1 |
| Drummond Junior High Drummond | 25.7 mi | 5.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 54843 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,333
Median Home Value
$233,500
Median Rent
$687/mo
Population
13,167
College Educated
29.3%
Homeownership
75.1%
Avg Commute
16.9 min
Poverty Rate
15.1%
Median Age
49.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Laurel High Viroqua, WI | 4.4 |
| New Visions Charter School Lake Geneva, WI | 4.4 |
| Vincent Accelerated Academy Milwaukee, WI | 4.6 |
| Lincoln Hills School Irma, WI | 4.3 |
| Renaissance Charter Academy River Falls, WI | 4.3 |
| Anthony Acres School Mondovi, WI | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northern Waters Environmental School
What grades does Northern Waters Environmental School serve?
Northern Waters Environmental School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Northern Waters Environmental School?
Northern Waters Environmental School has an enrollment of approximately 42 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Northern Waters Environmental School?
The student-teacher ratio at Northern Waters Environmental School is 14:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Northern Waters Environmental School rank in WI?
Northern Waters Environmental School ranks #1,800 of 2,105 schools in WI.
What is Northern Waters Environmental School's MySchoolScout rating?
Northern Waters Environmental School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 Northern Waters Environmental School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Northern Waters Environmental School has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2025) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2025).
Is Northern Waters Environmental School a charter school?
Yes, Northern Waters Environmental School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Northern Waters Environmental School a Title I school?
No, Northern Waters Environmental School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northern Waters Environmental School?
47.6% of students at Northern Waters Environmental 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.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 42
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 3
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 47.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Sawyer County
- Phone
- (715) 634-2619
Resources & Links
District
Hayward Community School District- District Enrollment
- 1,891
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,713
- District Rank
- #5 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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