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Very Good

#454 of 1,986 schools in MN

Top 23% in state

Rochester Beacon Academy

High School · Rochester Beacon Academy

974 SKYLINE DR SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Charter

Enrollment

95

Student-Teacher

9.5:1

Score

7.4

Grades

6th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Rochester

#9 of 37

public schools

Minnesota high schools

#69 of 628

Academic growth

9.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Rochester Beacon Academy

Rochester Beacon Academy is a charter high school located in the heart of Rochester, Minnesota. Serving students from sixth through twelfth grade, this unique educational institution has an enrollment of just 95 students, providing a personalized learning environment with a student-to-teacher ratio of 9.5:1. With ten full-time equivalent teachers committed to their students' success, Rochester Beacon Academy focuses on fostering individual growth and academic development.

While the school's MySchoolScout rating stands at 5.7 out of 10 and its state ranking is #859 among 2027 schools in Minnesota (placing it in the 58th percentile), it’s important to note that Rochester Beacon Academy continues to work diligently on improving academic outcomes for all students. Currently, 28% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts and reading, while 20% demonstrate proficiency in math. Rochester Beacon Academy is situated in a bustling mid-size city, offering its students access to various cultural and educational resources within the community.

The school's setting provides a vibrant backdrop for learning and personal development.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 95 students, Rochester Beacon Academy 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 Rochester Beacon Academy 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.

With a student-teacher ratio of 9.5:1, Rochester Beacon Academy offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.8Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+3.15 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendImproving
Academics4.1Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency34.5%
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)40%
vs. Expected-10.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
College Readiness6.7Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.6Exceptional20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,625

Rochester Beacon Academy — Students at Rochester Beacon Academy score 30% 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

51.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 19.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 27.8%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from MN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
22%
2022
Math
24.5%
ELA
34.5%

* 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: 9.8/10.

How Rochester Beacon Academy Compares

See how Rochester Beacon Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.4/10
77th percentile in MN
Academic
4.1/10
4.1/10
Growth
9.8/10
Above average
Environment
9.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
52%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers

Location

974 SKYLINE DR SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Rochester Beacon Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. LOURDES HIGH SCHOOL (rated 8.7/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Rochester Academy-Idp Living(RAIL) (rated 7.0/10, 1.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, JOHN MARSHALL SENIOR HIGH (rated 5.1/10, 1.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Rochester, see our Rochester schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
FOLWELL ELEMENTARY Rochester 0.3 mi 8.3
Project Search Mayo Clinic Rochester 0.7 mi
ROCHESTER ARTS & SCIENCES ACADEMY Rochester 0.9 mi 8.8
PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF ROCHESTER Rochester 1.1 mi
ROCHESTER MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY Rochester 1.1 mi 6.0
ROCHESTER STEM ACADEMY Rochester 1.1 mi 4.9
AMBASSADOR ACADEMY Rochester 1.4 mi
JOHN MARSHALL SENIOR HIGH Rochester 1.6 mi 5.1
Washington District-Wide Elementary Rochester 1.6 mi 6.0
ST PIUS X SCHOOL Rochester 1.6 mi 7.0
Rochester Academy-Idp Living(RAIL) Rochester 1.2 mi 7.0
Middle School Right Fit Rochester 1.2 mi
BAMBER VALLEY ELEMENTARY Rochester 1.6 mi 7.6
SUNSET TERRACE ELEMENTARY Rochester 2.0 mi 6.3
RIVERSIDE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY Rochester 1.6 mi 4.6
Rochester Phoenix Academy Rochester 1.7 mi 7.4
CARE & TREATMENT HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND Rochester 1.7 mi
Care & Treatment at ESC Rochester 1.7 mi
Lincoln K-8 District-Wide School Rochester 1.7 mi 5.9
LOURDES HIGH SCHOOL Rochester 2.3 mi 8.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 55902 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$111,879

Median Home Value

$430,100

Median Rent

$1,580/mo

Population

25,988

College Educated

65.6%

Homeownership

72.5%

Avg Commute

18.4 min

Poverty Rate

4.8%

Median Age

40.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Rochester Beacon Academy has a median household income of $111,879. It is a well-educated community where 66% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $430,100, with a median rent of $1,580/month. The local poverty rate of 4.8% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 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
917 TESA Rosemount, MN 7.4
FARIBAULT AREA LEARNING CENTER Faribault, MN 7.4
Granada Huntley East Chain High Sch Granada, MN 7.4
NORMAN COUNTY EAST SECONDARY Twin Valley, MN 7.4
RED LAKE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING Red Lake, MN 7.4
DULUTH AREA LEARNING CENTER Duluth, MN 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rochester Beacon Academy

What grades does Rochester Beacon Academy serve?

Rochester Beacon Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Rochester Beacon Academy?

Rochester Beacon Academy has an enrollment of approximately 95 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Rochester Beacon Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Rochester Beacon Academy is 9.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Rochester Beacon Academy rank in MN?

Rochester Beacon Academy is ranked #454 out of 1,986 schools in MN.

What is Rochester Beacon Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Rochester Beacon Academy has a composite rating of 7.4 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 Rochester Beacon Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Rochester Beacon Academy has 19.5% math proficiency and 27.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Rochester Beacon Academy a charter school?

Yes, Rochester Beacon Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Rochester Beacon Academy a Title I school?

No, Rochester Beacon Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rochester Beacon Academy?

51.6% of students at Rochester Beacon Academy 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
30 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
51 Bikeable
City Safety
High (1,527/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
95
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
51.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Olmsted County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Rochester Beacon Academy
District Enrollment
95
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$25,294
District Rank
#1 of 1

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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