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
Enrollment
48
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
6.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
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Perham Area Learning Center — Students at Perham Area Learning Center score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
52.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 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: 8.8/10.
How Perham Area Learning Center Compares
See how Perham Area Learning Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 25% (2019) to 25% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 25% (2021) to 25% (2022).
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.
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
- Phone
- (218) 346-6502
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
PERHAM-DENT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 1,687
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,316
- District Rank
- #2 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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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