Very Good
#663 of 1,986 schools in MN
Top 33% in state
Willmar Area Learning Center
High School · WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
512 8TH ST SW, Willmar, MN 56201
Enrollment
92
Student-Teacher
8.4:1
Score
7.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
92
Student-Teacher
8.4:1
Score
7.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Willmar
#4 of 8
public schools
Minnesota high schools
#147 of 628
In district
#4 of 7
WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Academic growth
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Willmar Area Learning Center
WILLMAR AREA LEARNING CENTER is an alternative high school in Willmar, Minnesota, offering a unique educational experience for students in grades 9 through 12. With an enrollment of just 92 students and a student-teacher ratio of 8.4:1, the school provides a personalized learning environment that focuses on individual needs. The school’s dedicated staff of eleven full-time equivalent teachers helps create a supportive atmosphere where each student can thrive.
While Willmar Area Learning Center is ranked 39th percentile statewide with a MySchoolScout Rating of 5.0 out of 10, the school emphasizes student development and emotional support over traditional academic benchmarks. With only 16% proficiency in ELA/Reading and 7% proficiency in Math, there is clear room for academic growth, but the setting fosters an environment where students can find their footing academically and personally. Located in a remote town, Willmar Area Learning Center benefits from a close-knit community that values education and supports its young learners.
This setting offers a quieter backdrop for students to focus on their studies and personal goals without the distractions of larger urban environments.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 92 students, Willmar Area Learning Center 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 Willmar Area Learning Center 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 8.4:1, Willmar Area Learning Center 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 metricsView breakdown
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Willmar Area Learning Center — Students at Willmar Area Learning Center score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 18%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
90.2%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.5/10.
How Willmar Area Learning Center Compares
See how Willmar Area Learning Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 10% (2019) to 5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 10% (2019) to 24.5% (2022).
Location
512 8TH ST SW, Willmar, MN 56201
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Willmar Area Learning Center may also want to explore other high schools in the area. DREAM Technical Academy (rated 5.5/10, 2.5 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is WILLMAR SENIOR HIGH (rated 5.2/10, 3.4 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, NEW LONDON-SPICER SR. (rated 5.2/10, 13.2 miles away, in nearby New London), a more accessible option. For more schools in Willmar, see our Willmar schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| KENNEDY ELEMENTARY Willmar | 0.3 mi | 7.3 |
| LAKEVIEW SCHOOL Willmar | 0.3 mi | — |
| JEFFERSON LEARNING CENTER Willmar | 0.3 mi | 7.2 |
| COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Willmar | 1.0 mi | 7.8 |
| WILLMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL Willmar | 0.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Middle School ALC Willmar | 0.8 mi | — |
| ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY Willmar | 1.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Lakeland Elementary School Willmar | 1.7 mi | 7.9 |
| SWWC ELC - Willmar Willmar | 2.4 mi | — |
| DREAM Technical Academy Willmar | 2.5 mi | 5.5 |
| Prairie Lakes Education Center Willmar | 2.5 mi | — |
| Lake Park School Willmar | 2.5 mi | — |
| WILLMAR SENIOR HIGH Willmar | 3.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Prairie Meadows Learning Center New London | 9.4 mi | — |
| PRAIRIE WOODS ELEMENTARY New London | 12.9 mi | 6.6 |
| NEW LONDON-SPICER MIDDLE New London | 13.2 mi | 7.3 |
| NEW LONDON-SPICER SR. New London | 13.2 mi | 5.2 |
| NEW LONDON ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL New London | 13.2 mi | — |
| CENTRAL MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Prinsburg | 14.0 mi | 6.9 |
| A.C.G.C. ELEMENTARY Atwater | 13.4 mi | 8.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 56201 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$68,054
Median Home Value
$199,100
Median Rent
$832/mo
Population
24,860
College Educated
26.1%
Homeownership
61.5%
Avg Commute
13.5 min
Poverty Rate
13.9%
Median Age
36.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Willmar Area Learning Center has a median household income of $68,054. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $199,100, with a median rent of $832/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.9%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 14 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 |
|---|---|
| ABE Diploma Program Apple Valley, MN | 7.1 |
| BRIDGES Andover, MN | 7.1 |
| Career Pathways Saint Paul, MN | 7.1 |
| FISHER SECONDARY Fisher, MN | 7.1 |
| JOURNEYS SECONDARY SCHOOL Saint Paul, MN | 7.1 |
| MCF-Red Wing Maginnis High School Red Wing, MN | 7.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Willmar Area Learning Center
What grades does Willmar Area Learning Center serve?
Willmar Area Learning Center serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Willmar Area Learning Center?
Willmar Area Learning Center has an enrollment of approximately 92 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Willmar Area Learning Center?
The student-teacher ratio at Willmar Area Learning Center is 8.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Willmar Area Learning Center rank in MN?
Willmar Area Learning Center is ranked #663 out of 1,986 schools in MN.
What is Willmar Area Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating?
Willmar Area Learning Center has a composite rating of 7.1 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 Willmar Area Learning Center?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Willmar Area Learning Center has 6.7% math proficiency and 16.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Willmar Area Learning Center a charter school?
No, Willmar Area Learning Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Willmar Area Learning Center a Title I school?
No, Willmar Area Learning Center is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Willmar Area Learning Center?
90.2% of students at Willmar Area Learning Center qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 92
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 8.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 90.2%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Kandiyohi County
- Phone
- (320) 214-6500
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 4,220
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,958
- District Rank
- #4 of 7
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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