In a news release from the U.S. News and World Report, Prairie Wind Middle School (PWMS) was named a U.S. Best Middle School for the State of Minnesota. 

PWMS ranked in the top 40 percent of middle schools in Minnesota, achieving an overall score of 81.75 out of a 100 which ranks PWMS 76th overall in the state.

PWMS Principal Jim Kennedy was excited when he heard the news about the schools rankings.

“This award is a clear demonstration of the hard work and dedication our team brings each day to PWMS,” Kennedy said. “From 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. our team’s sole focus is on our students –
their well-being and the unmistakable passion they have to see our students succeed. In my second year as Principal, I could not be prouder to lead alongside our exemplary staff.”

PWMS promotes small class sizes with a 23-student to every teacher ratio. It also boasts a knowledgeable staff with 96 percent of the teachers having three or more years of experience.

The rankings are determined by a couple of factors set forth by the U.S. News and World Report. 

Schools are assessed on their pupils’ proficiencies in mathematics and reading, measured by state assessment tests. The other half of the results were determined by socioeconomic demographics. 

Kennedy was quick to credit the efforts of the staff at PWMS.

“What I find intriguing about PWMS is the camaraderie among our staff and their dedication to working toward a clear and common vision for grades 5-8,” Kennedy said. “When I was notified of this great accomplishment, I felt extremely proud, knowing that it is more than deserved by our dedicated team.”

U.S. News & World Report has published rankings for more than 37,000 public elementary schools and more than 18,000 public middle schools.