Clifton’s public schools outscore 83% of Wisconsin districts
On the state reading tests, 53% of Clifton’s students scored proficient, above the Wisconsin average (38%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Clifton, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Wisconsin, not nationally.
From Wisconsin state tests taken in spring 2022, when 97% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Clifton’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 53% and math 51% across both districts in spring 2022, against 38% and 39% statewide; 95% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Prescott spends $14,272 per student and River Falls $12,111, against $16,459 across Wisconsin (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Clifton’s grade
A−: better than 83% of Wisconsin school districts. Test scores and graduation are both above the Wisconsin average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Clifton, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Clifton · depends on your address
Meyer Middle
Grades 6–8 · 725 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in River Falls
Prescott Middle
Grades 6–8 · 254 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Prescott
7th grade in Clifton · depends on your address
Meyer Middle
Grades 6–8 · 725 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in River Falls
Prescott Middle
Grades 6–8 · 254 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Prescott
8th grade in Clifton · depends on your address
Meyer Middle
Grades 6–8 · 725 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in River Falls
Prescott Middle
Grades 6–8 · 254 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Prescott
9th grade in Clifton · depends on your address
River Falls High
Grades 9–12 · 1,062 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in River Falls
Prescott High
Grades 9–12 · 394 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Prescott
10th grade in Clifton · depends on your address
River Falls High
Grades 9–12 · 1,062 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in River Falls
Prescott High
Grades 9–12 · 394 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Prescott
11th grade in Clifton · depends on your address
River Falls High
Grades 9–12 · 1,062 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in River Falls
Prescott High
Grades 9–12 · 394 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Prescott
12th grade in Clifton · depends on your address
River Falls High
Grades 9–12 · 1,062 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in River Falls
Prescott High
Grades 9–12 · 394 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Prescott
Clifton runs its own schools through grade 12 (Prescott School District). From grade PK, students attend the River Falls School District, shared with Kinnickinnic, Martell, Pleasant Valley, River Falls, River Falls and Troy. Its elementary school is in Prescott. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Clifton
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Clifton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Wisconsin towns that share Clifton’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Clifton | A− | Prescott PK–12 · River Falls PK–12 |
| Troy | A | River Falls PK–12 · Hudson PK–12 |
| Prescott | A | Prescott |
| River Falls | A− | River Falls |
| Oak Grove | A | Prescott |
2 of the 4 neighbors share River Falls with Clifton for grades PK–12, so their letters differ mainly through the lower grades. Denmark, MN borders Clifton but is graded on its own state’s tests, so it’s left out.
Every school in Clifton
8 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Wisconsin’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Clifton’s schools
Are Clifton’s schools good?
By Wisconsin’s own tests, yes: the public schools Clifton children attend outscore 83% of Wisconsin’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 81%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Clifton in?
Two districts: Prescott School District runs grades PK–12, and River Falls School District runs grades PK–12, shared with Kinnickinnic, Martell, Pleasant Valley, River Falls, River Falls and Troy.
Where do Clifton kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: River Falls High and Prescott High.
What is Clifton’s graduation rate?
95% of the class of 2023 in River Falls School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Wisconsin.
How much does Clifton spend per student?
$14,272 in Prescott School District and $12,111 in River Falls School District (FY2024), against $16,459 across Wisconsin. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Clifton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Clifton → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Wisconsin. Stars are from neighbors.