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Very Good

#388 of 1,992 schools in MN

Top 19% in state

Pelican Rapids Secondary

High School · Pelican Rapids Public Schools

BOX 642, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572

Enrollment

400

Student-Teacher

14.8:1

Score

7.5

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Minnesota schools

#388 of 1,992

In Pelican Rapids

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Pelican Rapids Public Schools

Academic growth

9.0 / 10

Excellent

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Pelican Rapids Secondary

7.5/10

High School in Pelican Rapids · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Viking Elementary School

8.2/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Rothsay Secondary

7.2/10

11.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Pelican Rapids Secondary

Pelican Rapids Secondary is a public high school in Pelican Rapids, MN, part of Pelican Rapids Public Schools. Pelican Rapids Secondary serves approximately 400 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 14.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Pelican Rapids Secondary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #388 of 1,992 schools in MN.

Structured state assessment records for Pelican Rapids Secondary show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.3 pts above MN schools
  • This school 7.5 · Very Good
  • MN avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Pelican Rapids Secondary sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

40% of students at Pelican Rapids Secondary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.0Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.31 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendStable
Academics8.4Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency52% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency52% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)37% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+14.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile75th
College Readiness7.2Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation19.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,613
Chronic Absenteeism40%

Pelican Rapids Secondary — Students at Pelican Rapids Secondary score 52% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

56.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 44.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 50.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from MN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
47%
ELA
65%
2010
Math
44%
ELA
61%
2011
Math
42%
ELA
61%
2012
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2013
Math
44%
ELA
38%
2014
Math
47%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
47%
ELA
47%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
52%
2017
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
45%
ELA
51%
2019
Math
45%
ELA
51%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
52%

* 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 Pelican Rapids Secondary Compares

See how Pelican Rapids Secondary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.5/10
81th percentile in MN
Academic
8.4/10
Excellent
Growth
9.0/10
Excellent
Environment
4.7/10
Below Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.4
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
40.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
19.8% participation·State avg: 2.4 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

BOX 642, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pelican Rapids Secondary may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Kennedy High School (rated 8.3/10, 19.1 miles away, in nearby Fergus Falls), which scores slightly higher. Another option is ROTHSAY SECONDARY (rated 7.2/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Rothsay), with a very similar rating. Additionally, iQ Academy 9-12 (rated 6.2/10, 19.2 miles away, in nearby Fergus Falls), a more accessible option. For more schools in Pelican Rapids, see our Pelican Rapids schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 21.2 mi
School Distance Rating
VIKING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pelican Rapids 0.2 mi 8.2
ROTHSAY SECONDARY Rothsay 11.1 mi 7.2
ROTHSAY ELEMENTARY Rothsay 11.1 mi 7.0
Lakes Country Academy Fergus Falls 18.2 mi
CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY Fergus Falls 18.9 mi 7.7
Kennedy High School Fergus Falls 19.1 mi 8.3
Kennedy Middle School Fergus Falls 19.1 mi 7.1
FERGUS FALLS EARLY CHILDHOOD SP ED Fergus Falls 19.2 mi
MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY Fergus Falls 19.2 mi 6.5
FERGUS FALLS AREA LEARNING CENTER Fergus Falls 19.2 mi 5.1
iQ Academy 9-12 Fergus Falls 19.2 mi 6.2
iQ Academy 6-8 Fergus Falls 19.2 mi 4.0
iQ Academy K-5 Fergus Falls 19.2 mi 4.8
FERGUS FALLS EC/ELEMENTARY SP ED Fergus Falls 19.2 mi
FERGUS FALLS ELEMENTARY SP ED 5-8 Fergus Falls 19.2 mi
OUR LADY OF VICTORY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fergus Falls 19.4 mi 6.8
HILLCREST LUTHERAN ACADEMY Fergus Falls 19.9 mi 4.6
ADAMS ELEMENTARY Fergus Falls 20.1 mi 5.5
FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Detroit Lakes 18.5 mi 2.7
LAKE PARK AUDUBON ELEMENTARY Audubon 21.2 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 56572 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,631

Median Home Value

$291,600

Median Rent

$412/mo

Population

5,900

College Educated

28.5%

Homeownership

80.9%

Avg Commute

28 min

Poverty Rate

8.7%

Median Age

50.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Maple River Secondary Mapleton, MN 7.5
NEW YORK MILLS SECONDARY New York Mills, MN 7.5
PLAINVIEW-ELGIN-MILLVILLE HIGH Plainview, MN 7.5
SPECTRUM HIGH SCHOOL Elk River, MN 7.5
WEST CENTRAL AREA SECONDARY Barrett, MN 7.5
FILLMORE CENTRAL SENIOR HIGH Harmony, MN 7.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pelican Rapids Secondary

What grades does Pelican Rapids Secondary serve?

Pelican Rapids Secondary serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Pelican Rapids Secondary?

Pelican Rapids Secondary has an enrollment of approximately 400 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pelican Rapids Secondary?

The student-teacher ratio at Pelican Rapids Secondary is 14.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pelican Rapids Secondary rank in MN?

Pelican Rapids Secondary ranks #388 of 1,992 schools in MN.

What is Pelican Rapids Secondary's MySchoolScout rating?

Pelican Rapids Secondary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Pelican Rapids Secondary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pelican Rapids Secondary has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Pelican Rapids Secondary a charter school?

No, Pelican Rapids Secondary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Pelican Rapids Secondary a Title I school?

No, Pelican Rapids Secondary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pelican Rapids Secondary?

56.5% of students at Pelican Rapids Secondary 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

Walk Score
59 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
54 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
400
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
56.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Otter Tail County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
40.0%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Pelican Rapids Public Schools
District Enrollment
860
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,613
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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