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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

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 metrics
Student Progress9.5Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+1.45 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendImproving
Academics3.8Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.5%
Overall Proficiency15%
Expected (poverty-adj.)18%
vs. Expected-2.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
College Readiness6.7Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.7Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio8.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,812

Willmar Area Learning Center — Students at Willmar Area Learning Center score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 18%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

90.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 6.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 16.5%
School
State
N/A

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

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2022
Math
5%
ELA
24.5%

* 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.

Overall Score
7.1/10
67th percentile in MN
Academic
3.8/10
3.8/10
Growth
9.5/10
Above average
Environment
8.7/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
90%
Teaching Staff
8:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
68 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
60 Bikeable
City Safety
High (1,735/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Willmar). Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
District Enrollment
4,220
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,958
District Rank
#4 of 7

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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