Serving 14 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Northern Lights Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 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 ≤20% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 14 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northern Lights Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Northern Lights Academy's student population of 14 students has declined by 26% over five school years.
The teacher population of 2 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
14 students
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
School Rankings
Northern Lights Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northern Lights Academy is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1166 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
13:1
American Indian
22%
2%
Hispanic
7%
12%
Black
14%
12%
White
36%
60%
Two or more races
21%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
79%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern Lights Academy's ranking?
Northern Lights Academy is ranked #1166 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
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 ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Northern Lights Academy?
14 students attend Northern Lights Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Northern Lights Academy students are White, 22% of students are American Indian, 21% of students are Two or more races, 14% of students are Black, and 7% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northern Lights Academy?
Northern Lights Academy has a student ration of 7:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Northern Lights Academy offer ?
Northern Lights Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northern Lights Academy part of?
Northern Lights Academy is part of Northern Lights Academy Cooperative School District.
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