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Average

#1127 of 1,986 schools in MN

Perham Area Learning Center

High School · PERHAM-DENT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

800 CONEY STREET WEST, Perham, MN 56573

Enrollment

48

Student-Teacher

16:1

Score

6.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Perham

#2 of 4

public schools

Minnesota high schools

#299 of 628

In district

#2 of 4

PERHAM-DENT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Academic growth

8.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Perham Area Learning Center

PERHAM AREA LEARNING CENTER is an alternative high school located in Perham, Minnesota, a remote rural area. Serving students from ninth to twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 48 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 with three full-time equivalent teachers. PERHAM AREA LEARNING CENTER focuses on providing individualized attention and support for its diverse student population.

Academically, PERHAM AREA LEARNING CENTER receives a MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks at the 23rd percentile among Minnesota schools. Students perform around 25% proficient in ELA/Reading and 20% proficient in Math across all grades, indicating areas for growth but also highlighting the school's commitment to student development. Set against a rural backdrop, PERHAM AREA LEARNING CENTER offers its students a community-focused learning environment where personalized education is prioritized.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 48 students, Perham 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 Perham 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, Perham 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 metrics
Student Progress8.8Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.33 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendStable
Academics3.4Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25%
Reading/ELA Proficiency25%
Overall Proficiency25%
Expected (poverty-adj.)40%
vs. Expected-15.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile15th
College Readiness6.7Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,394

Perham Area Learning Center — Students at Perham Area Learning Center score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

52.1%

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 5 test records from MN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
25%
2021*
Math
10%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
25%
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: 8.8/10.

How Perham Area Learning Center Compares

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

Overall Score
6.1/10
43th percentile in MN
Academic
3.4/10
3.4/10
Growth
8.8/10
Above average
Environment
5.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
52%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers

Location

800 CONEY STREET WEST, Perham, MN 56573

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Perham Area Learning Center may also want to explore other high schools in the area. PERHAM SENIOR HIGH (rated 7.1/10), which scores slightly higher. Another option is BATTLE LAKE SECONDARY (rated 6.9/10, 21.9 miles away, in nearby Battle Lake), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, NEW YORK MILLS SECONDARY (rated 6.1/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby New York Mills), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Perham, see our Perham schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 20.0 mi
School Distance Rating
PERHAM SENIOR HIGH Perham 0.0 mi 7.1
PRAIRIE WIND MIDDLE Perham 0.1 mi 5.7
HEART OF THE LAKE ELEMENTARY Perham 0.2 mi 6.1
ST PAUL'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL Perham 0.6 mi 5.8
ST HENRYS AREA SCHOOL Perham 0.6 mi 5.0
FRAZEE SECONDARY Frazee 11.3 mi 4.5
FRAZEE ELEMENTARY Frazee 11.5 mi 7.2
NEW YORK MILLS ELEMENTARY New York Mills 10.8 mi 7.3
NEW YORK MILLS SECONDARY New York Mills 10.8 mi 6.1
HENNING ELEMENTARY Henning 19.6 mi 7.1
HENNING SECONDARY Henning 19.6 mi 5.4
BATTLE LAKE ELEMENTARY Battle Lake 21.9 mi 8.8
BATTLE LAKE SECONDARY Battle Lake 21.9 mi 6.9
DETROIT LAKES SENIOR HIGH Detroit Lakes 19.4 mi 5.2
Laker Transitions Detroit Lakes 20.1 mi
LINCOLN EARLY CHILDHOOD ED. CENTER Detroit Lakes 19.7 mi 5.5
DETROIT LAKES MIDDLE Detroit Lakes 20.1 mi 5.4
ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY Detroit Lakes 20.1 mi 6.5
DETROIT LAKES AREA LEARNING CENTER Detroit Lakes 20.3 mi 6.1
HOLY ROSARY Detroit Lakes 20.0 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 56573 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,080

Median Home Value

$256,900

Median Rent

$805/mo

Population

6,868

College Educated

29.5%

Homeownership

73.1%

Avg Commute

16.1 min

Poverty Rate

12.1%

Median Age

38.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Perham Area Learning Center has a median household income of $68,080. It is an area where 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $256,900, with a median rent of $805/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.1%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 16 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
DETROIT LAKES AREA LEARNING CENTER Detroit Lakes, MN 6.1
VOA High Minneapolis, MN 6.1
LORING-NICOLLET HIGH Minneapolis, MN 6.0
Pine River-Backus ALP Pine River, MN 6.0
Waubun ALC Waubun, MN 6.0
SWWC ALC - Windom Windom, MN 6.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Perham Area Learning Center

What grades does Perham Area Learning Center serve?

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

How many students attend Perham Area Learning Center?

Perham Area Learning Center has an enrollment of approximately 48 students.

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

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

How does Perham Area Learning Center rank in MN?

Perham Area Learning Center is ranked #1127 out of 1,986 schools in MN.

What is Perham Area Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating?

Perham 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 Perham Area Learning Center?

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

Is Perham Area Learning Center a charter school?

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

Is Perham Area Learning Center a Title I school?

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

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

52.1% of students at Perham 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
Average (377/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
48
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.1%
Type
alternative
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Otter Tail County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

PERHAM-DENT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
1,687
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,316
District Rank
#2 of 4

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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