Shell Lake Primary (K-2)

As a low-enrollment elementary-level community in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, Shell Lake Primary (K-2) serves 131 students from grades pre-K through 2, one of the schools within Shell Lake School District. Enrollment runs roughly 59% leaner than the state mean of about 323.

Within Shell Lake School District, which oversees 3 schools and 584 students, Shell Lake Primary (K-2) is one campus in the system.

Looking at the student body, Shell Lake Primary (K-2) reports that nearly all students (91%) are White; the rest consists of 5% Hispanic, 5% multiracial. That composition is broadly in line with Washburn County as a whole.

Looking at the economic backdrop, The school reports having 14 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 9.4:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 14.7:1, putting Shell Lake Primary (K-2) tighter than the state norm the norm. An estimated 53% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, which schools and policymakers use as a rough income-mix signal.

Across the wider county, census data for Washburn County shows the typical household earns roughly $63,441 per year, 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 6%. Across Washburn County's 16 public schools (combined enrollment of about 2,097 students), Shell Lake Primary (K-2) is one campus in the mix.

Shell Lake Elementary (3-6) is the nearest neighboring public school, about 0.0 miles from this campus. 2 of the 8 nearest public schools sit inside a five-mile radius.

Shell Lake Primary (K-2) operates from a low-density location.

Trend over the last 7 years. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Shell Lake Primary (K-2) has declined 34%, going from 198 students in 2018 to 131 in 2025. The student-to-teacher ratio fell from 15.3:1 in 2018 to 9.4:1 today.

On the community side, the feed for Shell Lake Primary (K-2) typically covers school events, parent volunteer needs, and clubs. The community welcomes input from current and former families.