Very Good
#314 of 2,102 schools in WI
Top 15% in state
Washburn Elementary
Elementary School · Washburn School District
PO Box 730, Washburn, WI 54891
Enrollment
302
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
302
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Washburn
#1 of 3
public schools
Wisconsin elementary schools
#205 of 1,099
In district
#1 of 3
Washburn School District
Equity
8.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Washburn Elementary
Washburn Elementary serves 302 students in prekindergarten through sixth grade in this charming rural Wisconsin community. With 25 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an excellent student-teacher ratio of 12.1:1, allowing for more personalized attention and smaller class sizes that many families value. The school performs solidly academically, earning a 7.1 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking in the 80th percentile statewide at #429 out of 2,112 Wisconsin elementary schools.
Students demonstrate consistent performance across core subjects, with 55% achieving proficiency or above in both English Language Arts and mathematics. This academic foundation reflects the school's commitment to supporting students across all grade levels. The surrounding community in ZIP code 54891 shows strong educational values, with 41% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.
The area maintains a moderate cost of living with median household incomes of $62,443 and median home values around $185,100, while keeping poverty rates relatively low at 12.2%. Washburn Elementary operates in Bayfield County's rural setting, where students benefit from the close-knit community atmosphere that smaller towns provide. The school serves families who appreciate the combination of quality education and the peaceful, outdoor-oriented lifestyle that rural Wisconsin offers.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Washburn 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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Washburn Elementary — Students at Washburn Elementary score 44% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
45%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)
Based on 12 test records from WI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 7.1/10.
How Washburn Elementary Compares
See how Washburn Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 37% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 47% (2019) to 52% (2021).
Location
PO Box 730, Washburn, WI 54891
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Washburn Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. South Shore Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 23.9 miles away, in nearby Port Wing), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Drummond Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 29.1 miles away, in nearby Drummond), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Lake Superior Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Ashland), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Washburn, see our Washburn schools guide .
Nearby Schools
17 within 29.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Washburn Middle Washburn | 0.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Washburn High Washburn | 0.3 mi | 6.8 |
| OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ashland | 5.9 mi | 7.1 |
| Ashland Middle Ashland | 6.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Ashland High Ashland | 7.4 mi | 3.3 |
| Lake Superior Elementary Ashland | 7.6 mi | 7.5 |
| La Pointe Elementary La Pointe | 8.9 mi | — |
| Bayfield Middle Bayfield | 10.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Bayfield Elementary Bayfield | 10.2 mi | 4.0 |
| Bayfield High Bayfield | 10.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Marengo Valley Elementary Ashland | 16.2 mi | 5.0 |
| Mellen Public School Mellen | 27.0 mi | 7.4 |
| South Shore Elementary Port Wing | 23.9 mi | 8.7 |
| South Shore Jr/Sr High Port Wing | 23.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Drummond High Drummond | 29.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Drummond Junior High Drummond | 29.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Drummond Elementary Drummond | 29.1 mi | 8.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 54891 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,298
Median Home Value
$200,600
Median Rent
$788/mo
Population
3,327
College Educated
42%
Homeownership
81.4%
Avg Commute
16.5 min
Poverty Rate
7%
Median Age
49.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Washburn Elementary has a median household income of $70,298. It is a well-educated community where 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $200,600, with a median rent of $788/month. The local poverty rate of 7.0% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 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 |
|---|---|
| Central Elementary Rhinelander, WI | 7.8 |
| EAGLE SCHOOL OF MADISON Madison, WI | 7.8 |
| Franklin Elementary Appleton, WI | 7.8 |
| Frederic Elementary Frederic, WI | 7.8 |
| Harmony Elementary Janesville, WI | 7.8 |
| Hilltop Elementary Rice Lake, WI | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Washburn Elementary
What grades does Washburn Elementary serve?
Washburn Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Washburn Elementary?
Washburn Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 302 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Washburn Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Washburn Elementary is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Washburn Elementary rank in WI?
Washburn Elementary is ranked #314 out of 2,102 schools in WI.
What is Washburn Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Washburn Elementary has a composite rating of 7.8 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 Washburn Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Washburn Elementary has 55.2% math proficiency and 55.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Washburn Elementary a charter school?
No, Washburn Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Washburn Elementary a Title I school?
No, Washburn Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Washburn Elementary?
45.0% of students at Washburn 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 302
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 45.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Bayfield County
- Phone
- (715) 373-6199
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Washburn School District- District Enrollment
- 575
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,454
- District Rank
- #1 of 3
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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