- Richland Center Primary School — Grades PK–2 · 301 students
- Richland Center High — Grades 7–12 · 512 students
- Richland Center Intermediate School — Grades 3–6 · 275 students
- PARTNER Charter School — Grades 8–12 · 21 students
- Richland Online Academy — Grades K–12 · 12 students
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| Metric | Richland School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 21 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,800/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Near average |
About Richland School District
Richland School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 53540 in Richland, Wisconsin. Serving students from Pre-K – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 53540. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Richland School District spends approximately $13,800 per student per year, placing it near the Wisconsin state average of approximately $13,500 and near the national average nationally (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
At multiple schools serving grades Pre-K – 12th, Richland School District qualifies as a district of unknown size serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Contact Richland School District to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (low-rated), Richland School District ranks among Wisconsin’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 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.
Richland School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Wisconsin on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 53540
Children in zip code 53540 are assigned to Richland School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 53540, 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 Richland School District at (509)967-6000 or visit www.rsd.edu. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Richland
For families considering a purchase in the Richland area, district assignment matters financially. Because Richland School District serves zip code 53540, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 53540. 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 Richland 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 53540.
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 Richland School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 53540 data.