Average
#337 of 451 schools in ND
Bowbells High School
High School · BOWBELLS 14
PO Box 279, Bowbells, ND 58721
Enrollment
40
Student-Teacher
8:1
Score
5.3
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
40
Student-Teacher
8:1
Score
5.3
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bowbells
#1 of 2
public schools
North Dakota high schools
#122 of 155
In district
#1 of 2
BOWBELLS 14
School environment
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Bowbells High School
Bowbells High School is a small rural high school located in the remote area of Bowbells, North Dakota. Serving students from seventh through twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 40 students and five full-time equivalent teachers, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. The school's setting offers a close-knit community atmosphere where teachers can provide individualized attention to each student.
Academically, Bowbells High School scores above average for proficiency rates in both English Language Arts and Math at 60% proficient or above, though the overall MySchoolScout rating of 3.6/10 suggests there is room for improvement. The school ranks 406th out of 457 schools in North Dakota, placing it in the 11th percentile statewide. Bowbells High School is situated in a rural area that provides a unique environment for students to thrive and build strong community connections.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 40 students, Bowbells High School 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.
With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Bowbells High School 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.
Located in a rural area, Bowbells High School 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
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Bowbells High School — Students at Bowbells High School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
20%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores ND EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from ND 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: 1.3/10.
How Bowbells High School Compares
See how Bowbells High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 75% (2019) to 30% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 75% (2019) to 30% (2022).
Location
PO Box 279, Bowbells, ND 58721
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bowbells High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. POWERS LAKE HIGH SCHOOL (rated 8.4/10, 24.6 miles away, in nearby Powers Lake), which scores notably higher. Another option is BURKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.6/10, 15.2 miles away, in nearby Lignite), with a very similar rating. Additionally, STANLEY HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.6/10, 34.9 miles away, in nearby Stanley), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Bowbells, see our Bowbells schools guide .
Nearby Schools
9 within 34.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BOWBELLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bowbells | 0.0 mi | 4.7 |
| KENMARE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kenmare | 11.6 mi | 6.4 |
| KENMARE HIGH SCHOOL Kenmare | 12.2 mi | 4.5 |
| BURKE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lignite | 15.2 mi | 9.7 |
| BURKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Lignite | 15.2 mi | 5.6 |
| POWERS LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Powers Lake | 24.6 mi | 6.2 |
| POWERS LAKE HIGH SCHOOL Powers Lake | 24.6 mi | 8.4 |
| STANLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Stanley | 34.5 mi | 6.5 |
| STANLEY HIGH SCHOOL Stanley | 34.9 mi | 5.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 58721 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$90,833
Median Home Value
$136,500
Median Rent
$525/mo
Population
426
College Educated
21.3%
Homeownership
80.4%
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Median Age
47.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bowbells High School has a median household income of $90,833. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $136,500, with a median rent of $525/month. The local poverty rate of 2.8% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BRAVE CENTER ACADEMY Mandan, ND | 5.2 |
| MINOT PUBLIC SCHOOLS 9-12 VIRTUAL ACADEMY Minot, ND | 5.2 |
| SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL Dickinson, ND | 5.4 |
| BURKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Lignite, ND | 5.6 |
| NEWBURG-UNITED HIGH SCHOOL Newburg, ND | 5.8 |
| DRAYTON HIGH SCHOOL Drayton, ND | 4.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bowbells High School
What grades does Bowbells High School serve?
Bowbells High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Bowbells High School?
Bowbells High School has an enrollment of approximately 40 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bowbells High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Bowbells High School is 8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Bowbells High School rank in ND?
Bowbells High School is ranked #337 out of 451 schools in ND.
What is Bowbells High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Bowbells High School has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Bowbells High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Bowbells High School has 60.0% math proficiency and 60.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Bowbells High School a charter school?
No, Bowbells High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Bowbells High School a Title I school?
No, Bowbells High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bowbells High School?
20.0% of students at Bowbells High 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.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 40
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 5
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 20.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Burke County
- Phone
- (701) 377-2396
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
BOWBELLS 14- District Enrollment
- 97
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $24,933
- District Rank
- #1 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.
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