Big Lake Public School District

The Big Lake Public School District in Minnesota operates 6 schools, including 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools (one of which is an online school). The district as a whole is ranked 228 out of 463 school districts in the state and is rated 3 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger.

Within the district, Independence Elementary stands out as a high-performing school, outperforming the district and state averages in both math and reading proficiency. In contrast, the district's two online schools, Big Lake Online 6-12 and Big Lake Online K-5, have lower proficiency rates and higher free/reduced lunch rates, suggesting unique challenges for students in the online learning environment. Meanwhile, Big Lake Senior High consistently ranks among the top 25% of Minnesota high schools, maintaining a strong 4-star rating and a high graduation rate.

The data also reveals some potential equity concerns, with the higher free/reduced lunch rates at the online schools and some of the elementary schools indicating possible socioeconomic disparities within the district. Further investigation into the underlying factors and support systems for these students may be warranted to ensure all students in the Big Lake Public School District have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.