Average
#1179 of 1,992 schools in MN
Verndale Secondary
High School · VERNDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
411 SW BROWN ST, Verndale, MN 56481
Enrollment
247
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
5.9
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
247
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
5.9
Grades
7th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Minnesota schools
#1,179 of 1,992
In Verndale
#1 of 2
public schools
In district
#1 of 2
VERNDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Shortlisting around Verndale Secondary?
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.
Verndale Secondary
High School in Verndale · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Verndale Elementary
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Verndale Area Christian Academy
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Verndale Secondary
Verndale Secondary is a public high school in Verndale, MN, part of VERNDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. Verndale Secondary serves approximately 247 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Verndale Secondary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,179 of 1,992 schools in MN.
Structured state assessment records for Verndale Secondary show 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.9 · Average
- MN avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Verndale Secondary 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.
33% of students at Verndale Secondary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Verndale Secondary — Students at Verndale Secondary score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
52.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 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: 4.0/10.
How Verndale Secondary Compares
See how Verndale Secondary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
411 SW BROWN ST, Verndale, MN 56481
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Verndale Secondary may also want to explore other high schools in the area. STAPLES-MOTLEY SENIOR HIGH (rated 7.8/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby Staples), which scores notably higher. Another option is BERTHA SECONDARY (rated 7.4/10, 9.2 miles away, in nearby Bertha), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SEBEKA SECONDARY (rated 7.4/10, 16.7 miles away, in nearby Sebeka), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Verndale, see our Verndale schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 22.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| VERNDALE ELEMENTARY Verndale | 0.0 mi | 4.6 |
| VERNDALE AREA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Verndale | 0.9 mi | — |
| Freshwater Education District ALC Wadena | 5.7 mi | 6.5 |
| White Pine Academy Wadena | 5.7 mi | — |
| EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION Wadena | 5.7 mi | — |
| LEAF RIVER ACADEMY Wadena | 5.7 mi | — |
| Elm Tree Academy Wadena | 5.7 mi | — |
| WADENA-DEER CREEK ELEMENTARY Wadena | 6.7 mi | 5.6 |
| BERTHA ELEMENTARY Bertha | 9.2 mi | 9.0 |
| BERTHA SECONDARY Bertha | 9.2 mi | 7.4 |
| WADENA-DEER CREEK SENIOR HIGH Wadena | 7.0 mi | 6.4 |
| WADENA-DEER CREEK 5TH AND 6TH GRADE Wadena | 7.0 mi | 5.6 |
| GREEN MEADOW Wadena | 9.5 mi | — |
| STAPLES-MOTLEY SENIOR HIGH Staples | 10.8 mi | 7.8 |
| MOTLEY-STAPLES MIDDLE SCHOOL Staples | 10.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Staples-Motley Elementary Staples | 10.8 mi | 5.3 |
| SACRED HEART AREA SCHOOL Staples | 11.0 mi | 7.1 |
| SEBEKA ELEMENTARY Sebeka | 16.7 mi | 9.0 |
| SEBEKA SECONDARY Sebeka | 16.7 mi | 7.4 |
| BROWERVILLE ELEMENTARY Browerville | 22.4 mi | 6.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 56481 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$69,688
Median Home Value
$165,600
Median Rent
$585/mo
Population
2,333
College Educated
16%
Homeownership
87.3%
Avg Commute
26.4 min
Poverty Rate
5%
Median Age
38.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BRECKENRIDGE SENIOR HIGH Breckenridge, MN | 5.9 |
| CHISHOLM SECONDARY Chisholm, MN | 5.9 |
| GORDON PARKS HIGH SCHOOL Saint Paul, MN | 5.9 |
| MINNESOTA VALLEY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL New Ulm, MN | 5.9 |
| CLEARBROOK-GONVICK SECONDARY Clearbrook, MN | 6.0 |
| MCGREGOR SECONDARY Mcgregor, MN | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Verndale Secondary
What grades does Verndale Secondary serve?
Verndale Secondary serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Verndale Secondary?
Verndale Secondary has an enrollment of approximately 247 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Verndale Secondary?
The student-teacher ratio at Verndale Secondary is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Verndale Secondary rank in MN?
Verndale Secondary ranks #1,179 of 1,992 schools in MN.
What is Verndale Secondary's MySchoolScout rating?
Verndale Secondary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 Verndale Secondary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Verndale Secondary has 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Verndale Secondary a charter school?
No, Verndale Secondary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Verndale Secondary a Title I school?
No, Verndale Secondary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Verndale Secondary?
52.2% of students at Verndale 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 247
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 52.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Wadena County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 32.8%
- Phone
- (218) 445-5184
- 4-Year Graduation
- 90%+
Resources & Links
District
VERNDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 509
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,766
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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 rateRelated 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.