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#1566 of 1,986 schools in MN

Underwood Secondary

High School · UNDERWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

100 SOUTHERN AVE E, Underwood, MN 56586

Enrollment

287

Student-Teacher

16.9:1

Score

5.2

Grades

5th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Underwood

#2 of 2

public schools

Minnesota high schools

#469 of 628

In district

#2 of 2

UNDERWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

About Underwood Secondary

Underwood Secondary serves students in grades 5 through 12, making it a unique K-12 institution located in the rural community of Underwood, Minnesota. The school has an enrollment of 287 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.9:1 with 17 full-time equivalent teachers. Despite its modest size, Underwood Secondary offers a range of academic programs aimed at supporting its diverse group of learners.

The school's MySchoolScout rating is 3.7 out of 10 and ranks 12th percentile statewide based on academic performance metrics. Students perform around the state average in English Language Arts (ELA/Reading) with 49% reaching proficiency or above, while math scores show 39% of students meeting or exceeding expectations. The school is focusing on student development and offering additional support to help improve these figures.

Located in a rural setting, Underwood Secondary benefits from a close-knit community that values education and supports its students' growth both academically and personally.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Underwood Secondary 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 metrics
Student Progress4.6Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.35 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.1Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency37%
Reading/ELA Proficiency42%
Overall Proficiency40%
Expected (poverty-adj.)49%
vs. Expected-9.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
College Readiness6.7Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.0Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,040

Underwood Secondary — Students at Underwood Secondary score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

37.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 38.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 48.7%
School
State
N/A

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

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
47%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
37%
ELA
42%

* 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: 4.6/10.

How Underwood Secondary Compares

See how Underwood Secondary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
21th percentile in MN
Academic
5.1/10
5.1/10
Growth
4.6/10
Below average
Environment
4.0/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
37%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers

Location

100 SOUTHERN AVE E, Underwood, MN 56586

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Underwood Secondary may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Kennedy High School (rated 7.6/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Fergus Falls), which scores notably higher. Another option is BATTLE LAKE SECONDARY (rated 6.9/10, 7.2 miles away, in nearby Battle Lake), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ASHBY SECONDARY (rated 6.5/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Ashby), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Underwood, see our Underwood schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.4 mi
School Distance Rating
UNDERWOOD ELEMENTARY Underwood 0.0 mi 5.3
BATTLE LAKE ELEMENTARY Battle Lake 7.2 mi 8.8
BATTLE LAKE SECONDARY Battle Lake 7.2 mi 6.9
Kennedy High School Fergus Falls 9.3 mi 7.6
Kennedy Middle School Fergus Falls 9.3 mi 6.3
ASHBY ELEMENTARY Ashby 13.3 mi 7.1
ASHBY SECONDARY Ashby 13.3 mi 6.5
FERGUS FALLS EC/ELEMENTARY SP ED Fergus Falls 9.4 mi
FERGUS FALLS ELEMENTARY SP ED 5-8 Fergus Falls 9.4 mi
FERGUS FALLS AREA LEARNING CENTER Fergus Falls 9.4 mi 5.9
iQ Academy 9-12 Fergus Falls 9.4 mi 6.5
iQ Academy 6-8 Fergus Falls 9.4 mi 2.6
iQ Academy K-5 Fergus Falls 9.4 mi 4.9
CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY Fergus Falls 9.5 mi 8.3
ADAMS ELEMENTARY Fergus Falls 9.9 mi 5.2
OUR LADY OF VICTORY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fergus Falls 10.0 mi 6.8
HILLCREST LUTHERAN ACADEMY Fergus Falls 10.3 mi 4.6
FERGUS FALLS EARLY CHILDHOOD SP ED Fergus Falls 10.4 mi
MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY Fergus Falls 10.4 mi 6.5
Lakes Country Academy Fergus Falls 10.4 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 56586 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$82,333

Median Home Value

$283,500

Median Rent

$1,021/mo

Population

1,798

College Educated

27.1%

Homeownership

93.8%

Avg Commute

28.3 min

Poverty Rate

6.8%

Median Age

55.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Underwood Secondary has a median household income of $82,333. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $283,500, with a median rent of $1,021/month. The local poverty rate of 6.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 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
ALC School Within a School Duluth, MN 5.2
BARNUM SECONDARY Barnum, MN 5.2
BLACKDUCK SECONDARY Blackduck, MN 5.2
EAST CENTRAL SENIOR SECONDARY Finlayson, MN 5.2
Metro College Prep Minneapolis, MN 5.2
Robbinsdale Virtual Academy Golden Valley, MN 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Underwood Secondary

What grades does Underwood Secondary serve?

Underwood Secondary serves students in grades 5th through 12th.

How many students attend Underwood Secondary?

Underwood Secondary has an enrollment of approximately 287 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Underwood Secondary?

The student-teacher ratio at Underwood Secondary is 16.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Underwood Secondary rank in MN?

Underwood Secondary is ranked #1566 out of 1,986 schools in MN.

What is Underwood Secondary's MySchoolScout rating?

Underwood Secondary has a composite rating of 5.2 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 Underwood Secondary?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Underwood Secondary has 38.7% math proficiency and 48.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Underwood Secondary a charter school?

No, Underwood Secondary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Underwood Secondary a Title I school?

No, Underwood Secondary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Underwood Secondary?

37.3% of students at Underwood Secondary 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

County Safety
Average (294/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 12th
Enrollment
287
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
37.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Otter Tail County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

UNDERWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
571
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,613
District Rank
#2 of 2

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 methodology

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