Skip to main content

Average

#1506 of 1,986 schools in MN

Northfield Area Learning Center

High School · NORTHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

201 ORCHARD ST S, Northfield, MN 55057

Enrollment

131

Student-Teacher

21.8:1

Score

5.3

Grades

6th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Northfield

#9 of 9

public schools

Minnesota high schools

#445 of 628

In district

#7 of 7

NORTHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Academic growth

8.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Northfield Area Learning Center

Northfield Area Learning Center is an alternative high school located in Northfield, Minnesota, serving students from sixth to twelfth grade. With a student body of 131 and a teacher-to-student ratio of 21.8:1, the school provides a personalized learning environment with six full-time equivalent teachers. Situated in a small town setting, Northfield Area Learning Center offers an inclusive educational experience tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students.

The academic performance at Northfield Area Learning Center reflects areas where growth is needed; the school ranks 3.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout and holds a state ranking of #1710 out of 2027 schools in Minnesota, placing it in the 16th percentile. In terms of proficiency rates, only 20% of students meet or exceed standards in ELA/Reading, while just 10% do so in Math. Despite these challenges, Northfield Area Learning Center remains committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where each student can thrive.

Northfield Area Learning Center is nestled within the charming town of Northfield, offering its students a close-knit community setting that encourages personal connections both inside and outside the classroom.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 131 students, Northfield 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 Northfield 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.

The student-teacher ratio at Northfield Area Learning Center is 21.8:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.8Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-0.25 pts/yr
Data Period2021–2022
TrendStable
Academics2.0Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.5%
Overall Proficiency15%
Expected (poverty-adj.)39%
vs. Expected-24.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile4th
College Readiness6.7Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.0Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,875

Northfield Area Learning Center — Students at Northfield Area Learning Center score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 10.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 19.8%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from MN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2021*
Math
15%
ELA
15%
2022
Math
5%
ELA
24.5%

* 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: 8.8/10.

How Northfield Area Learning Center Compares

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

Overall Score
5.3/10
24th percentile in MN
Academic
2.0/10
2.0/10
Growth
8.8/10
Above average
Environment
3.0/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
6 teachers

Location

201 ORCHARD ST S, Northfield, MN 55057

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Northfield Area Learning Center may also want to explore other high schools in the area. SHATTUCK-ST. MARYS SCHOOL (rated 9.5/10, 11.6 miles away, in nearby Faribault), which scores notably higher. Another option is NORTHFIELD SENIOR HIGH (rated 7.5/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, FARIBAULT AREA LEARNING CENTER (rated 7.4/10, 10.7 miles away, in nearby Faribault), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Northfield, see our Northfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.6 mi
School Distance Rating
ST DOMINIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Northfield 0.4 mi 6.8
GREENVALE PARK ELEMENTARY Northfield 0.8 mi 8.9
Northfield Community Education Cntr Northfield 0.8 mi 7.6
NORTHFIELD SENIOR HIGH Northfield 0.9 mi 7.5
NORTHFIELD MONTESSORI Northfield 1.1 mi
BRIDGEWATER ELEMENTARY Northfield 1.3 mi 8.2
Spring Creek Elementary Northfield 1.2 mi 7.8
NORTHFIELD MIDDLE Northfield 1.6 mi 6.2
ARCADIA CHARTER SCHOOL Northfield 1.5 mi 6.5
PRAIRIE CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOL Northfield 6.3 mi 7.2
NERSTRAND CHARTER SCHOOL Nerstrand 9.6 mi 7.4
RANDOLPH ELEMENTARY Randolph 8.6 mi 6.6
RANDOLPH SECONDARY Randolph 8.6 mi 4.3
GLORY ACADEMY Lakeville 10.1 mi 6.0
FARIBAULT AREA LEARNING CENTER Faribault 10.7 mi 7.4
CANNON RIVER STEM SCHOOL Faribault 11.2 mi 4.0
ROBERT BOECKMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Farmington 12.2 mi 4.5
FARMINGTON ELEMENTARY Farmington 12.2 mi 3.8
ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY Faribault 11.7 mi 5.7
SHATTUCK-ST. MARYS SCHOOL Faribault 11.6 mi 9.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 55057 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$97,521

Median Home Value

$338,800

Median Rent

$1,042/mo

Population

25,458

College Educated

48.9%

Homeownership

74.6%

Avg Commute

19.9 min

Poverty Rate

6.4%

Median Age

32.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Northfield Area Learning Center has a median household income of $97,521. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $338,800, with a median rent of $1,042/month. The local poverty rate of 6.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 20 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
279Online Learning Program 9-12 Brooklyn Park, MN 5.3
Brandon-Evansville High School Brandon, MN 5.3
Cambridge-Isanti OLL Secondary 6-12 Cambridge, MN 5.3
LEAP HIGH SCHOOL Saint Paul, MN 5.3
LITTLE FALLS CONTINUING EDUCATION Little Falls, MN 5.3
Greenbush-Middle River Secondary Greenbush, MN 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Northfield Area Learning Center

What grades does Northfield Area Learning Center serve?

Northfield Area Learning Center serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Northfield Area Learning Center?

Northfield Area Learning Center has an enrollment of approximately 131 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Northfield Area Learning Center is 21.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Northfield Area Learning Center rank in MN?

Northfield Area Learning Center is ranked #1506 out of 1,986 schools in MN.

What is Northfield Area Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating?

Northfield Area Learning Center has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Northfield Area Learning Center?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Northfield Area Learning Center has 10.0% math proficiency and 19.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Northfield Area Learning Center a charter school?

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

Is Northfield Area Learning Center a Title I school?

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

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

53.4% of students at Northfield 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 (1,507/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
131
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.4%
Type
alternative
Setting
Distant Town
County
Rice County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

NORTHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
3,875
Schools in District
11
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,214
District Rank
#7 of 7

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

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.