Serving 23 students in grades 9-12, Northwest Area Learning Center ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 60%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 23 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 60-79% (Btm 50% in MN)
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwest Area Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Northwest Area Learning Center's student population of 23 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 2 teachers has grown by 100% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
23 students
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of Northwest Area Learning Center is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(15-16)<50%
60%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
9%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
13%
12%
Black
n/a
12%
White
65%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
60-79%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwest Area Learning Center?
The graduation rate of Northwest Area Learning Center is 60-79%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Northwest Area Learning Center?
23 students attend Northwest Area Learning Center.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Northwest Area Learning Center students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Two or more races, and 9% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwest Area Learning Center?
Northwest Area Learning Center has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Northwest Area Learning Center offer ?
Northwest Area Learning Center offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwest Area Learning Center part of?
Northwest Area Learning Center is part of Thief River Falls School District.
School Reviews
Review Northwest Area Learning Center. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
