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Average

#1339 of 1,992 schools in MN

Pine River-backus Alp

High School · PINE RIVER-BACKUS SCHOOL DISTRICT

P.O. BOX 610, Pine River, MN 56474

Enrollment

50

Student-Teacher

25:1

Score

5.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Minnesota schools

#1,339 of 1,992

In Pine River

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

PINE RIVER-BACKUS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Academic growth

8.9 / 10

Excellent

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Pine River-backus Alp

5.6/10

High School in Pine River · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Pine River-backus High School

7.1/10

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

Pine River-backus Elementary

6.3/10

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

About Pine River-backus Alp

Pine River-backus Alp is a public high school in Pine River, MN, part of PINE RIVER-BACKUS SCHOOL DISTRICT. Pine River-backus Alp serves approximately 50 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 25:1 student-teacher ratio. Pine River-backus Alp has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,339 of 1,992 schools in MN.

Structured state assessment records for Pine River-backus Alp show 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

How it compares0.8 pts below district
  • This school 5.6 · Average
  • District avg 6.3
  • MN avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 50 students, Pine River-backus Alp is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Pine River-backus Alp runs 25:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Pine River-backus Alp 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.9Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.36 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendStable
Academics4.5Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25% (2021 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)29% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-3.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile26th
College Readiness5.6Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate49.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio25:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,348
Chronic Absenteeism2%

Pine River-backus Alp — Students at Pine River-backus Alp score 25% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

72%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 15.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 27.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A

Based on 22 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
5%
ELA
49.5%
2010
Math
24.5%
2011
Math
10%
2012
Math
10%
ELA
24.5%
2013
Math
10%
ELA
24.5%
2014
Math
10%
ELA
24.5%
2015
Math
10%
2016
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2018
Math
10%
2019
Math
10%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
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: 8.9/10.

How Pine River-backus Alp Compares

See how Pine River-backus Alp performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.6/10
33th percentile in MN
Academic
4.5/10
Below Average
Growth
8.9/10
Excellent
Environment
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
6
5 boys' · 1 girls'
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
72%
Teaching Staff
25:1 student-teacher ratio
2 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
2.0%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics6sports offered
5 boys'·1 girls'·6 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses2 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

P.O. BOX 610, Pine River, MN 56474

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pine River-backus Alp may also want to explore other high schools in the area. PINE RIVER-BACKUS HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Pillager Senior High School (rated 7.0/10, 27.8 miles away, in nearby Pillager), which scores notably higher. Additionally, WALKER-HACKENSACK-AKELEY SEC. (rated 7.0/10, 26.7 miles away, in nearby Walker), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Pine River, see our Pine River schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 27.1 mi
School Distance Rating
PINE RIVER-BACKUS HIGH SCHOOL Pine River 0.1 mi 7.1
PINE RIVER-BACKUS ELEMENTARY Pine River 0.2 mi 6.3
FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Backus 8.3 mi 6.4
PEQUOT LAKES SENIOR HIGH Pequot Lakes 9.9 mi 5.7
PEQUOT LAKES MIDDLE Pequot Lakes 9.9 mi 5.7
EAGLE VIEW ELEMENTARY Pequot Lakes 11.2 mi 7.8
NISSWA ELEMENTARY Nisswa 15.5 mi 7.7
Crosslake Community Seat Based Crosslake 14.8 mi 5.3
Crosslake Community 6-12 Online Crosslake 14.8 mi 5.5
Crosslake Community K-5 Online Crosslake 14.8 mi
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Walker 23.1 mi
Up North Learning Center Walker 24.8 mi
Central Lakes Adventure School Pillager 26.9 mi 6.3
BRAINERD EARLY CHILDHOOD SP. ED. Baxter 27.2 mi 6.0
PILLAGER ELEMENTARY Pillager 27.8 mi 8.4
Pillager Senior High School Pillager 27.8 mi 7.0
Pillager Middle School Pillager 27.8 mi 5.2
WALKER-HACKENSACK-AKELEY SEC. Walker 26.7 mi 7.0
W.H.A. ELEMENTARY Walker 26.8 mi 6.5
LAKE REGION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Baxter 27.1 mi 3.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 56474 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$55,741

Median Home Value

$220,500

Median Rent

$870/mo

Population

4,471

College Educated

21.9%

Homeownership

78.7%

Avg Commute

23.6 min

Poverty Rate

11.6%

Median Age

46.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Lionsgate Academy AIM North Saint Paul, MN 5.6
MN River Valley ALC-Seatbased Montevideo, MN 5.6
STADIUM VIEW Minneapolis, MN 5.6
CVSEC STEP Faribault, MN 5.5
Rosa Parks Charter High School Rochester, MN 5.5
School #527 Hopkins, MN 5.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pine River-backus Alp

What grades does Pine River-backus Alp serve?

Pine River-backus Alp serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Pine River-backus Alp?

Pine River-backus Alp has an enrollment of approximately 50 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pine River-backus Alp?

The student-teacher ratio at Pine River-backus Alp is 25:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pine River-backus Alp rank in MN?

Pine River-backus Alp ranks #1,339 of 1,992 schools in MN.

What is Pine River-backus Alp's MySchoolScout rating?

Pine River-backus Alp has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.6 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 Pine River-backus Alp?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pine River-backus Alp has 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

Is Pine River-backus Alp a charter school?

No, Pine River-backus Alp is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Pine River-backus Alp a Title I school?

No, Pine River-backus Alp is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pine River-backus Alp?

72.0% of students at Pine River-backus Alp 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
21 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
50
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
Teachers (FTE)
2
Free/Reduced Lunch
72.0%
Type
alternative
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Cass County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
2.0%
4-Year Graduation
49.5%

District

PINE RIVER-BACKUS SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
879
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,348
District Rank
#3 of 3

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