Average
#1587 of 1,986 schools in MN
Tatanka Elementary Stem School
Elementary School · Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
703 8TH ST NE, Buffalo, MN 55313
Enrollment
420
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
420
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Buffalo
#6 of 9
public schools
Minnesota elementary schools
#830 of 962
In district
#6 of 9
Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Academic performance
7.1 / 10
Strong
About Tatanka Elementary Stem School
Tatanka Elementary STEM School is a charming school located in Buffalo, Minnesota. Serving kindergarten through fifth grade, the school prides itself on its small class sizes with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention. With an enrollment of 420 students and 30 full-time teachers, Tatanka offers a nurturing environment where kids can thrive.
Academically, Tatanka Elementary STEM School has a MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10, ranking it at #1362 among the 2027 schools in Minnesota. In reading and math, approximately 55% of students are proficient or above, indicating areas where improvement could be beneficial. The school places a strong emphasis on STEM education to prepare its students for the future.
Tatanka Elementary STEM School is situated in a town that sits on the edge of an urban area, providing a mix of small-town charm and easy access to city amenities. This setting offers a unique blend of community support and resources, making it an inviting place for families seeking a well-rounded educational experience.
Score Breakdown
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Tatanka Elementary Stem School — Students at Tatanka Elementary Stem School score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
41.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from MN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 3.4/10.
How Tatanka Elementary Stem School Compares
See how Tatanka Elementary Stem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 66% (2019) to 49% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 64% (2019) to 49% (2022).
Location
703 8TH ST NE, Buffalo, MN 55313
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Tatanka Elementary Stem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. NORTHWINDS ELEMENTARY (rated 7.9/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is PARKSIDE ELEMENTARY (rated 7.4/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LITTLE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY (rated 7.1/10, 8.3 miles away, in nearby Monticello), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Buffalo, see our Buffalo schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SWMetro Buffalo-Transitions Shakopee | 0.1 mi | — |
| PARKSIDE ELEMENTARY Buffalo | 0.6 mi | 7.4 |
| DISCOVERY ELEMENTARY Buffalo | 0.6 mi | 4.7 |
| BUFFALO EARLY CHILD. SP. ED PROGRAM Buffalo | 0.6 mi | — |
| BUFFALO COMMUNITY MIDDLE Buffalo | 0.7 mi | 4.9 |
| WRIGHT TECHNICAL CENTER ALC Buffalo | 0.8 mi | 6.8 |
| WRIGHT TECHNICAL CENTER ALC MIDDLE Buffalo | 0.8 mi | — |
| Eastern Wright Program Buffalo | 0.8 mi | — |
| CORNERSTONES PROGRAM Buffalo | 0.8 mi | — |
| Terra Nova School Buffalo | 1.2 mi | 6.3 |
| ST FRANCIS XAVIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Buffalo | 1.6 mi | 5.4 |
| NORTHWINDS ELEMENTARY Buffalo | 1.3 mi | 7.9 |
| BUFFALO SENIOR HIGH Buffalo | 1.7 mi | 4.6 |
| PHOENIX LEARNING CENTER Buffalo | 1.7 mi | 5.7 |
| Monticello Nature Based Education Monticello | 7.8 mi | 4.1 |
| SWMetro Lakeside Academy Shakopee | 5.7 mi | — |
| LAKESIDE ACADEMY Buffalo | 5.7 mi | — |
| Montrose Elementary School of Innov Montrose | 8.1 mi | 5.4 |
| Little Mountain Elementary - SNW Monticello | 8.3 mi | — |
| LITTLE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY Monticello | 8.3 mi | 7.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 55313 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$93,471
Median Home Value
$321,000
Median Rent
$1,150/mo
Population
24,862
College Educated
30.9%
Homeownership
81.5%
Avg Commute
29.2 min
Poverty Rate
6.3%
Median Age
39.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Tatanka Elementary Stem School has a median household income of $93,471. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $321,000, with a median rent of $1,150/month. The local poverty rate of 6.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 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 |
|---|---|
| HARRIET BISHOP ELEMENTARY Savage, MN | 5.1 |
| Harambee Elementary School Maplewood, MN | 5.1 |
| Linwood Elementary Wyoming, MN | 5.1 |
| TAYLORS FALLS ELEMENTARY Chisago City, MN | 5.1 |
| VERNDALE ELEMENTARY Verndale, MN | 5.1 |
| WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY Zimmerman, MN | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tatanka Elementary Stem School
What grades does Tatanka Elementary Stem School serve?
Tatanka Elementary Stem School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Tatanka Elementary Stem School?
Tatanka Elementary Stem School has an enrollment of approximately 420 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Tatanka Elementary Stem School?
The student-teacher ratio at Tatanka Elementary Stem School is 14:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Tatanka Elementary Stem School rank in MN?
Tatanka Elementary Stem School is ranked #1587 out of 1,986 schools in MN.
What is Tatanka Elementary Stem School's MySchoolScout rating?
Tatanka Elementary Stem School has a composite rating of 5.1 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 Tatanka Elementary Stem School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Tatanka Elementary Stem School has 54.7% math proficiency and 55.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Tatanka Elementary Stem School a charter school?
No, Tatanka Elementary Stem School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Tatanka Elementary Stem School a Title I school?
No, Tatanka Elementary Stem School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Tatanka Elementary Stem School?
41.7% of students at Tatanka Elementary Stem School 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 (475/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Buffalo). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 420
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 41.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- Wright County
- Phone
- (763) 682-8600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools- District Enrollment
- 5,282
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,682
- District Rank
- #6 of 9
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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