- John Edwards Middle — Grades 6–8 · 89 students
- John Edwards High — Grades 9–12 · 144 students
- Port Edwards Ed Heuer Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 202 students
- Wisconsin Rapids Middle — Grades 6–8 · 223 students
- Wisconsin Rapids High — Grades 9–12 · 300 students
| Metric | Port Edwards School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 447 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Edwards School District (this district) | 2/10 | 14th | 447 |
| Lomira School District | 6/10 | 59th | 1,023 |
| Watertown School District | 4/10 | 31st | 3,202 |
| New Holstein School District | 8/10 | 74th | 1,024 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 426 rated districts in WI → 14th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Wisconsin DPI Forward Exam, grades 3–8 Meeting/Advanced, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Port Edwards School District
Port Edwards School District serves zip code 54495, covering Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Wisconsin spend approximately $13,500 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), near the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 3 schools, Port Edwards School District operates as a small, community-focused district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 447 students in total. Small districts often benefit from tighter community cohesion, more personalized teacher-student relationships, and stronger parental involvement. The trade-off is narrower program variety: fewer elective courses, specialized tracks, or extracurricular options than larger systems offer.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
Port Edwards School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 3/10, placing it in the below average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Wisconsin’s Forward Exam grades 3–8 assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Wisconsin is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Port Edwards School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Wisconsin benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 54495
Children in zip code 54495 are assigned to Port Edwards School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 54495, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Port Edwards School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Wisconsin districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Wisconsin Rapids
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Port Edwards School District serves zip code 54495, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 54495. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Wisconsin, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Port Edwards School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 54495.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Port Edwards School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 54495 data.