Best Public Schools in Zip Code 56097

ZIP code 56097 covers Wells, Minnesota, and is home to two public schools—United South Central Elementary (PK–6) and United South Central High School (7–12)—both part of the United South Central Schools district. There is no separate middle school. The elementary is the standout, earning 4 stars and ranking 159 of 869 elementary schools (82nd percentile) in 2025–26. Its all-grade scores beat district and state averages in math (66.8%), reading (60.8%), and science (32.8%). Grades 3–5 math are especially strong at about 75% proficient. One weak spot: 6th grade math is 37.5%, slightly below the state’s 39.5%. Elementary science also fell from 41.3% to 32.8% year over year, though still above state.

The high school is improving but faces challenges. In 2025–26 it ranked 205 of 473 high schools (57th percentile, 3 stars). Math and reading are below state: math 26.5% vs. 44.9%, reading 35.6% vs. 48.6%. Every tested grade in those subjects is below state. Science is mixed: End of Course is 45.0% (above state’s 35.0%), but 8th grade science is only 5.9% (state 16.7%). On the positive side, the high school improved in all three subjects from 2024–25 to 2025–26—math +5.7 points, reading +6.4, science +8.7. Its graduation rate is 88.4% (above state’s 84.9%), though its dropout rate of 5.7% is above the state’s 4.2%.

For parents, the key takeaway is that the district average hides a big gap. The elementary is a consistent high performer, while the high school is working to catch up in math and reading. Both schools serve similar proportions of low-income students (about 45% free/reduced lunch), so the difference is not explained by poverty rates. The elementary also has a lower student-teacher ratio (12.3 vs. 14.9). Younger students get strong academics, with a watch on 6th grade math. Older students attend a high school that is trending upward but still needs improvement in core subjects, and 8th grade science is a particular concern. Overall, the area offers a solid elementary and a high school making progress but with room to grow.