Average
#1233 of 1,986 schools in MN
Norse Area Learning Center
High School · North Branch Area Public Schools
38423 LINCOLN TRAIL, North Branch, MN 55056
Enrollment
52
Student-Teacher
17.3:1
Score
5.9
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
52
Student-Teacher
17.3:1
Score
5.9
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In North Branch
#4 of 7
public schools
Minnesota high schools
#335 of 628
In district
#4 of 6
North Branch Area Public Schools
Academic growth
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Norse Area Learning Center
Norse Area Learning Center is an alternative school located in North Branch, Minnesota, offering education for students from seventh through twelfth grade. With a total enrollment of 52 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17.3:1, the school provides individualized attention and support to its diverse population. The three full-time equivalent teachers focus on helping each student succeed in an environment that caters to alternative learning needs.
The academic performance at Norse Area Learning Center shows room for improvement, with a MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and a state ranking of #1607 out of 2027 schools in Minnesota. In terms of proficiency levels, 25% of students are proficient or above in both ELA/Reading and Math, indicating areas where the school is working to enhance student achievement. Norse Area Learning Center stands as an important resource for students seeking a supportive educational environment in a rural setting near North Branch.
The community values the role this school plays in providing alternative education options tailored to individual needs.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 52 students, Norse 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 Norse 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.
Located in a rural area, Norse Area Learning Center may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Norse Area Learning Center — Students at Norse Area Learning Center score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 3 test records from MN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.0/10.
How Norse Area Learning Center Compares
See how Norse Area Learning Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 25% (2021) to 25% (2022).
Location
38423 LINCOLN TRAIL, North Branch, MN 55056
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Norse Area Learning Center may also want to explore other high schools in the area. North Branch Area High School (rated 6.0/10, 0.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is TRIO WOLF CREEK DISTANCE LEARNING (rated 5.8/10, 9.8 miles away, in nearby Chisago City), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Distance Learning Academy Secondary (rated 5.7/10), with a very similar rating. For more schools in North Branch, see our North Branch schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.9 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 55056 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$93,601
Median Home Value
$297,600
Median Rent
$1,190/mo
Population
14,279
College Educated
20.8%
Homeownership
84.4%
Avg Commute
31.6 min
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Median Age
39.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Norse Area Learning Center has a median household income of $93,601. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $297,600, with a median rent of $1,190/month. The local poverty rate of 5.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 32 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 |
|---|---|
| BEMIDJI SENIOR LUMBERJACK ALC Bemidji, MN | 5.9 |
| CHOICE Technical Academy Owatonna, MN | 5.9 |
| HEADWATERS EDUC LEARNING PROGRAM Park Rapids, MN | 5.9 |
| FLOODWOOD SECONDARY Floodwood, MN | 6.0 |
| Kaleidoscope Charter High School Otsego, MN | 6.0 |
| LORING-NICOLLET HIGH Minneapolis, MN | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Norse Area Learning Center
What grades does Norse Area Learning Center serve?
Norse Area Learning Center serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Norse Area Learning Center?
Norse Area Learning Center has an enrollment of approximately 52 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Norse Area Learning Center?
The student-teacher ratio at Norse Area Learning Center is 17.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Norse Area Learning Center rank in MN?
Norse Area Learning Center is ranked #1233 out of 1,986 schools in MN.
What is Norse Area Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating?
Norse Area Learning Center has a composite rating of 5.9 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 Norse Area Learning Center?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Norse Area Learning Center has 25.0% math proficiency and 25.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Norse Area Learning Center a charter school?
No, Norse Area Learning Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Norse Area Learning Center a Title I school?
No, Norse Area Learning Center is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Norse Area Learning Center?
48.1% of students at Norse 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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Average (264/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (North Branch). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 52
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 3
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.1%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Chisago County
- Phone
- (651) 674-1406
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
North Branch Area Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 2,744
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,823
- District Rank
- #4 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 methodologyRelated reading
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