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Average

#1113 of 1,986 schools in MN

Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center

High School · DETROIT LAKES PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST.

900 HIGHWAY 34 E, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Enrollment

56

Student-Teacher

9.3:1

Score

6.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Detroit Lakes

#3 of 6

public schools

Minnesota high schools

#290 of 628

In district

#3 of 6

DETROIT LAKES PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST.

School environment

8.3 / 10

Very strong

About Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center

Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center is a unique high school option for students in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Located on Highway 34 East, the school serves ninth through twelfth graders with an enrollment of just 56 students and a student-teacher ratio of 9.3:1. This alternative setting offers personalized attention to help each student thrive.

Academically, the school's MySchoolScout rating is 4.5 out of 10, ranking it in the 28th percentile among Minnesota schools. With 6 full-time equivalent teachers, Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center focuses on individualized learning and support. In recent state assessments, only 25% of students were proficient or above in ELA/reading, while 20% scored at that level in math.

These scores suggest there is room for growth and improvement. Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center's small class sizes and dedicated staff provide a nurturing environment where each student can receive the individualized attention needed to succeed. The school is situated in a remote town setting, offering students a close-knit community feel.

Located in Detroit Lakes, this alternative high school provides a supportive learning atmosphere tailored for young adults who need an extra level of personal support and flexibility in their education journey.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 56 students, Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

While current test scores at Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

With a student-teacher ratio of 9.3:1, Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.1Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.28 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics2.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10%
Reading/ELA Proficiency25%
Overall Proficiency18%
Expected (poverty-adj.)32%
vs. Expected-14.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile10th
College Readiness6.7Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.3Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,230

Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center — Students at Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

66.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 20.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 25.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from MN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
10%
ELA
25%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.1/10.

How Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center Compares

See how Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.1/10
44th percentile in MN
Academic
2.7/10
2.7/10
Growth
7.1/10
Above average
Environment
8.3/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
66%
Teaching Staff
9:1 student-teacher ratio
6 teachers

Location

900 HIGHWAY 34 E, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center may also want to explore other high schools in the area. PERHAM SENIOR HIGH (rated 7.1/10, 20.3 miles away, in nearby Perham), which scores slightly higher. Another option is PERHAM AREA LEARNING CENTER (rated 6.1/10, 20.3 miles away, in nearby Perham), with a very similar rating. Additionally, DETROIT LAKES SENIOR HIGH (rated 5.2/10, 1.3 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Detroit Lakes, see our Detroit Lakes schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 20.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Laker Transitions Detroit Lakes 0.2 mi
DETROIT LAKES MIDDLE Detroit Lakes 0.3 mi 5.4
ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY Detroit Lakes 0.4 mi 6.5
ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Detroit Lakes 0.3 mi
E-Laker Online School Detroit Lakes 0.9 mi
LINCOLN EARLY CHILDHOOD ED. CENTER Detroit Lakes 1.2 mi 5.5
HOLY ROSARY Detroit Lakes 1.1 mi 6.9
DETROIT LAKES SENIOR HIGH Detroit Lakes 1.3 mi 5.2
ROSSMAN ELEMENTARY Detroit Lakes 1.5 mi 7.1
FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Detroit Lakes 3.3 mi 2.7
LAKE PARK AUDUBON ELEMENTARY Audubon 7.5 mi 6.5
FRAZEE ELEMENTARY Frazee 9.0 mi 7.2
FRAZEE SECONDARY Frazee 9.2 mi 4.5
Circle of Life Academy White Earth 17.2 mi
LAKE PARK AUDUBON SECONDARY Lake Park 13.3 mi 3.4
OGEMA ELEMENTARY Ogema 20.0 mi 6.6
ST PAUL'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL Perham 19.9 mi 5.8
PERHAM AREA LEARNING CENTER Perham 20.3 mi 6.1
PERHAM SENIOR HIGH Perham 20.3 mi 7.1
PRAIRIE WIND MIDDLE Perham 20.4 mi 5.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 56501 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,980

Median Home Value

$286,900

Median Rent

$942/mo

Population

18,239

College Educated

31.7%

Homeownership

71.9%

Avg Commute

17.3 min

Poverty Rate

9.4%

Median Age

44.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center has a median household income of $68,980. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $286,900, with a median rent of $942/month. The local poverty rate of 9.4% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
PERHAM AREA LEARNING CENTER Perham, MN 6.1
PLYMOUTH YOUTH CENTER Minneapolis, MN 6.1
VOA High Minneapolis, MN 6.1
FLOODWOOD SECONDARY Floodwood, MN 6.0
Heritage Academy High Minneapolis, MN 6.0
Kaleidoscope Charter High School Otsego, MN 6.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center

What grades does Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center serve?

Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center?

Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center has an enrollment of approximately 56 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center?

The student-teacher ratio at Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center is 9.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center rank in MN?

Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center is ranked #1113 out of 1,986 schools in MN.

What is Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating?

Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center has a composite rating of 6.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center has 20.0% math proficiency and 25.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center a charter school?

No, Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center a Title I school?

No, Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center?

66.1% of students at Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (1,725/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Detroit Lakes). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
56
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Free/Reduced Lunch
66.1%
Type
alternative
Setting
Remote Town
County
Becker County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

DETROIT LAKES PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST.
District Enrollment
2,797
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,880
District Rank
#3 of 6

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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