Schools in Zip Code 54421

ZIP code 54421 covers Colby, Wisconsin, and is home to three public schools — Colby Elementary (K–5), Colby Middle (6–8), and Colby High (9–12) — all part of the Colby School District, serving 864 students in total.

All three schools carry a 1-star rating, and the Colby School District is ranked 413 of 432 in Wisconsin — the 4th percentile — with 0 stars. Comparing the schools, Colby Elementary is the largest (354 students), has the best attendance (4.8% chronic absenteeism vs. 8.9% district and 17.3% state), the smallest classes (11.9 students per teacher), and the highest percentile at 21 — though it has slipped from the 26th. Colby Middle (204 students) has the highest free/reduced lunch rate (59.8%) and the highest per-student spending ($18,727, about $2,500 more than the other two), with 8.3% chronic absenteeism and a 0% dropout rate. Colby High (306 students) reports a 100% graduation rate and 0% dropout, both better than the state, but has the largest classes (16.3 students per teacher) and the highest absenteeism (15.1%, still below the state).

Academics are the main challenge: every listed test score falls below the state average, with gaps averaging about 15 points at the elementary level and 20–23 points at the middle and high schools. Bright spots include Colby Elementary 3rd grade math at 52.38% vs. 54.75% state, Colby Middle 7th grade ELA at 44.44% vs. 55.33%, and Colby High ACT ELA in 2024–2025 at 45.76% vs. 48.62%. The widest gap is Colby High ACT math in 2025–2026, with 8.33% proficient versus 42.93% statewide.