Skip to main content

Very Good

#472 of 1,992 schools in MN

Top 24% in state

Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.

High School · SOUTHERN PLAINS EDUCATION COOP.

1200 NORTH PARK STREET, Fairmont, MN 56031

Enrollment

59

Student-Teacher

11.8:1

Score

7.2

Grades

8th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Minnesota schools

#472 of 1,992

In Fairmont

#2 of 3

public schools

School environment

10.0 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.

7.2/10

High School in Fairmont · grades 8th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Southern Plains Education Coop.

Nearby

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

Positive Approach to Learning

Nearby

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

About Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.

Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. is a public high school in Fairmont, MN, part of SOUTHERN PLAINS EDUCATION COOP. Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. serves approximately 59 students, and covers grades 8th-12th, and has a 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10 and ranks #472 of 1,992 schools in MN.

Structured state assessment records for Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 26% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.0 pts above MN schools
  • This school 7.2 · Very Good
  • MN avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 59 students, Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.56 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendStable
Academics5.3Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)22% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+3.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile35th
College Readiness5.6Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate49.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment10.0Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$58,143

Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. — Students at Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

84.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 24.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 25.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 24 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
24.5%
ELA
49.5%
2010
Math
24.5%
2011
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2012
Math
24.5%
2013
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2014
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2015
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2016
Math
24.5%
ELA
10%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2018
Math
24.5%
2019
Math
25%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
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: 8.6/10.

How Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. Compares

See how Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.2/10
76th percentile in MN
Academic
5.3/10
Average
Growth
8.6/10
Excellent
Environment
10.0/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
85%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
5 teachers

Programs & Offerings

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

1200 NORTH PARK STREET, Fairmont, MN 56031

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. may also want to explore other high schools in the area. North Union High School (rated 8.6/10, 18.4 miles away, in nearby Armstrong), which scores notably higher. Another option is MARTIN COUNTY WEST SENIOR HIGH (rated 7.7/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Sherburn), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Granada Huntley East Chain High Sch (rated 7.0/10, 6.2 miles away, in nearby Granada), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Fairmont, see our Fairmont schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.5 mi
School Distance Rating
SOUTHERN PLAINS EDUCATION COOP. Fairmont 0.0 mi
POSITIVE APPROACH TO LEARNING Fairmont 0.0 mi
SOUTHERN PLAINS BRIDGES Fairmont 0.0 mi
ST PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Fairmont 1.2 mi 6.2
FAIRMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fairmont 1.3 mi 7.7
ST JOHN VIANNEY SCHOOL Fairmont 1.5 mi 6.0
FAIRMONT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fairmont 1.7 mi
FAIRMONT JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL Fairmont 2.1 mi 5.7
ST JAMES LUTHERAN SCHOOL Fairmont 5.1 mi 6.4
MARTIN LUTHER HIGH SCHOOL Northrop 5.4 mi 6.5
Granada Huntley East Chain Elem Sch Granada 6.2 mi 3.7
Granada Huntley East Chain High Sch Granada 6.2 mi 7.0
Granada Huntley East Chain Middle S Granada 6.2 mi 5.9
TRUMAN ELEMENTARY Truman 11.2 mi 6.0
TRUMAN SECONDARY Truman 11.2 mi 6.2
ST PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Truman 11.7 mi 5.6
SHERBURN ELEMENTARY Sherburn 13.3 mi 5.2
North Union High School Armstrong 18.4 mi 8.6
MARTIN COUNTY WEST SENIOR HIGH Sherburn 13.5 mi 7.7
MARTIN COUNTY WEST JUNIOR HIGH Sherburn 13.5 mi 5.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 56031 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,373

Median Home Value

$175,600

Median Rent

$719/mo

Population

11,800

College Educated

26.2%

Homeownership

68.5%

Avg Commute

15.5 min

Poverty Rate

11.7%

Median Age

46.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
WATERSHED HIGH SCHOOL Richfield, MN 7.2
FAIRVIEW ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL Roseville, MN 7.3
GUADALUPE ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS Saint Paul, MN 7.1
HOLY SPIRIT ACADEMY Monticello, MN 7.4
HOPE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL Winona, MN 7.4
LORING-NICOLLET HIGH Minneapolis, MN 7.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.

What grades does Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. serve?

Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. serves students in grades 8th through 12th.

How many students attend Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.?

Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. has an enrollment of approximately 59 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.?

The student-teacher ratio at Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. rank in MN?

Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. ranks #472 of 1,992 schools in MN.

What is Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.'s MySchoolScout rating?

Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 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 Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 26% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. a charter school?

No, Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. a Title I school?

No, Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.?

84.7% of students at Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. 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
31 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
8th – 12th
Enrollment
59
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
5
Free/Reduced Lunch
84.7%
Type
alternative
Setting
Remote Town
County
Martin County
4-Year Graduation
49.5%

District

SOUTHERN PLAINS EDUCATION COOP.
District Enrollment
104
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$58,143
District Rank
#1 of 1

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.