Northwest Passage High School

Summary:

Northwest Passage High School is a public charter high school in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, serving 141 students in grades 9-12. While the school aims to provide an alternative educational environment, it has consistently struggled with low academic performance, high dropout rates, and poor graduation outcomes compared to nearby traditional public high schools.

The data reveals that Northwest Passage High School has a 4-year graduation rate ranging from just 24.4% to 36.3% over the past 5 years, significantly lower than the 92.5% and 92.8% graduation rates at Blaine High School and Champlin Park High School, respectively. Correspondingly, Northwest Passage has had dropout rates as high as 18.7%, compared to just 1.6% and 0.7% at Blaine and Champlin Park. Academically, Northwest Passage students have consistently underperformed on state assessments, with only 0% of 11th-graders proficient in math in 2022-2023, compared to 36.02% statewide and 36.65% in the Anoka-Hennepin School District.

The school's student population also differs from nearby traditional high schools, with a higher percentage of White students (78.01%) and a higher rate of free/reduced-price lunch eligibility (48.23%) compared to Blaine (59.72% White, 36.58% free/reduced) and Champlin Park (45.49% White, 40.6% free/reduced). These unique student demographics suggest Northwest Passage may be attracting a specific population, but the data indicates the school is struggling to effectively support their academic and personal success. As parents explore educational options in the Coon Rapids area, understanding these insights about Northwest Passage High School can help inform their decisions.

Detail:

Public, Charter 9-12

11345 Robinson Dr NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433-3777

(763) 862-9223

District: Northwest Passage High School

Per Pupil Expenditures: $14,936

Student/teacher ratio: 12.5

Number of students: 149

Racial breakdown:

White:

71.1%

Hispanic:

10.1%

African American:

8.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 49.7%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Northwest Passage High School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 12.54. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Northwest Passage High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (71.1%), Hispanic (10.1%), African American (8.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 49.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Northwest Passage High School is 12.5. (See more...)

Compare Northwest Passage High School employs 11.8 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northwest Passage High School is $14,936.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Northwest Passage High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Northwest Passage High School

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Rank History for all students at Northwest Passage High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2006	7.68	415^th	450	7.8%
2007	15.17	386^th	463	16.6%
2008	6.91	430^th	460	6.5%
2010	18.39	415^th	540	23.1%
2011	14.60	431^st	545	20.9%
2012	17.10	416^th	539	22.8%
2013	28.12	384^th	534	28.1%
2014	11.83	408^th	483	15.5%
2015	22.53	396^th	504	21.4%
2016	18.13	390^th	489	20.2%
2017	12.01	407^th	489	16.8%
2018	20.64	387^th	494	21.7%
2019	31.40	364^th	492	26.0%
2021	42.60	279^th	428	34.8%
2022	32.22	346^th	472	26.7%
2023	12.54	414^th	476	13.0%

See the entire list of Minnesota High School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Northwest Passage High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	88.22	10^th	195	94.9%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Northwest Passage High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	20.27	309^th	374	17.4%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Northwest Passage High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	5.83	363^rd	395	8.1%
2019	24.44	328^th	401	18.2%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Northwest Passage High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	28.01	326^th	398	18.1%
2019	29.30	325^th	411	20.9%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Northwest Passage High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	7.06	383^rd	414	7.5%
2019	15.87	364^th	412	11.7%
2021	39.48	249^th	364	31.6%
2022	18.09	358^th	401	10.7%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.7)

67%

33%

Reviews:

by a parent
Friday, November 19, 2010

I have had 2 kids attend-one currently-with the most positive of results. These kids were not good candidates for the super large community high school, got lost in there system, were not receiving the help nor attention they needed to succeed. The smaller, experiential setting of NW Passage has been the answer for our family. Staff are very knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to help their students and families. I would highly recommend anyone looking for alternatives to public education to look into experiential education. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Northwest Passage High School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2000	80	2	0	1	1	n/a	n/a	84
2001	103	5	2	1	1	n/a	n/a	112
2002	160	5	1	1	3	n/a	n/a	170
2003	160	5	1	1	3	n/a	n/a	170
2004	150	6	3	2	6	n/a	n/a	167
2005	140	18	9	4	5	n/a	n/a	176
2006	107	28	15	6	3	n/a	n/a	159
2007	108	16	11	4	5	n/a	n/a	144
2008	119	12	3	3	10	n/a	n/a	147
2009	168	15	4	4	11	n/a	n/a	202
2010	164	11	0	3	14	n/a	n/a	192
2011	139	14	0	6	2	0	18	179
2012	135	10	2	8	3	0	14	172
2013	108	6	1	4	0	0	12	131
2014	107	6	3	7	1	0	9	133
2015	120	3	2	8	2	0	21	156
2016	148	8	1	10	1	0	20	188
2017	149	4	1	8	0	0	16	178
2018	122	5	0	10	0	0	16	153
2019	117	10	0	8	0	0	18	153
2020	122	12	0	14	1	0	18	167
2021	119	11	1	13	3	0	13	160
2022	97	8	2	18	0	0	12	137
2023	110	11	1	12	1	0	6	141
2024	106	12	4	15	4	0	8	149

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Northwest Passage High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2000	84	2.6	32.3	26.2
2001	112	4.5	24.9	22.3
2002	170	8.3	20.5	22.9
2003	170	8.3	20.5	22.9
2004	167	10.2	16.4	22.2
2005	176	10.5	16.8	17
2006	159	9.8	16.2	22
2007	144	8.9	16.2	19.4
2008	147	8.4	17.5	28.6
2009	202	10.8	18.7	23.8
2010	192	11.1	17.2	27.6
2011	179	10.1	17.6	44.7
2012	172	9.1	18.8	44.2
2013	131	9.4	13.8	47.3
2014	133	9.4	14.0	46.6
2015	156	9.0	17.3	35.9
2016	188	13.0	14.4	38.8
2017	178	12.8	13.8	35.4
2018	153	13.8	11.0	45.1
2019	153	11.5	13.2	36.6
2020	167	11.0	15.1	35.3
2021	160	11.2	14.1	32.5
2022	137	14.5	9.4	30.7
2023	141	12.7	11.0	48.2
2024	149	11.8	12.5	49.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Northwest Passage High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2000	84	2.6	32.3	26.2
2001	112	4.5	24.9	22.3
2002	170	8.3	20.5	22.9
2003	170	8.3	20.5	22.9
2004	167	10.2	16.4	22.2
2005	176	10.5	16.8	17
2006	159	9.8	16.2	22
2007	144	8.9	16.2	19.4
2008	147	8.4	17.5	28.6
2009	202	10.8	18.7	23.8
2010	192	11.1	17.2	27.6
2011	179	10.1	17.6	44.7
2012	172	9.1	18.8	44.2
2013	131	9.4	13.8	47.3
2014	133	9.4	14.0	46.6
2015	156	9.0	17.3	35.9
2016	188	13.0	14.4	38.8
2017	178	12.8	13.8	35.4
2018	153	13.8	11.0	45.1
2019	153	11.5	13.2	36.6
2020	167	11.0	15.1	35.3
2021	160	11.2	14.1	32.5
2022	137	14.5	9.4	30.7
2023	141	12.7	11.0	48.2
2024	149	11.8	12.5	49.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Northwest Passage High School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$14,936

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northwest Passage High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 364^th of 492 High schools	Ranks 414^th of 476 High schools	13%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
10th Grade Reading (Northwest Passage High School)	55.6	33.3	22.2%
10th Grade Reading (Northwest Passage High School)	55.6	33.3	22.2%
10th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	60.4	51.7	8.7%
11th Grade Math (Northwest Passage High School)	0	0
11th Grade Math (Northwest Passage High School)	0	0
11th Grade Math (Minnesota)	45	36	9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	153	141	7.8%
African American	10	11	10%
American Indian	0	1
Asian	0	1
Hispanic	8	12	50%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	117	110	6%
Two or More Races	18	6	66.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	36.6%	48.2%	11.6%

Schools Near Northwest Passage High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCA-III Math (2024)		MCA-III Reading (2024)			MCA-III Science (2024)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCA-III Math 11th Grade	MCA-III Math All Grades	MCA-III Reading 8th Grade	MCA-III Reading 10th Grade	MCA-III Reading All Grades	MCA-III Science 8th Grade	MCA-III Science End of Course	MCA-III Science All Grades	Total
Northwest Passage High School	Public, Charter	9-12	11345 Robinson Dr NW	Coon Rapids	55433	Hennepin County	Northwest Passage High School	Yes	No	No	No	(763) 862-9223	149	12	12.5	49.7%	106 (71.1%)	12 (8.1%)	15 (10.1%)	4 (2.7%)	4 (2.7%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (5.4%)								(n/a)				63.6	63.6				$14,936
Compass-Bell Center	Public	6-12	1374 Northdale Blvd	Coon Rapids	55448	Anoka County	Anoka-Hennepin School District	No	No	No	No	(763) 506-3201	27	14	1.8	88.9%	8 (29.6%)	10 (37.0%)	3 (11.1%)	1 (3.7%)	2 (7.4%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (11.1%)								(n/a)		0.0	0.0		3.9	0.0		0.0	$47,353
Compass Online	Public, Virtual	9-12	1374 Northdale Blvd	Coon Rapids	55448	Anoka County	Anoka-Hennepin School District	No	No	Yes	No	(763) 506-3201	16	0		62.5%	4 (25.0%)	7 (43.8%)	3 (18.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (12.5%)								(n/a)									$14,575
Coon Rapids High School	Public	9-12	2340 Northdale Blvd	Coon Rapids	55433	Anoka County	Anoka-Hennepin School District	No	No	No	No	(763) 506-7100	2,147	116	18.5	51.1%	1,029 (47.9%)	495 (23.1%)	172 (8.0%)	225 (10.5%)	19 (0.9%)	3 (0.1%)	204 (9.5%)	61.1	203^rd of 480 public high schools	57.7%		60.6	191^st of 476 public high schools	59.9%	12	34.7	34.7		47.6	47.6		45.0	45.0	$13,844
Pathways	Public	12	11238 Crooked Lk Blvd	Coon Rapids	55433	Anoka County	Anoka-Hennepin School District	No	No	No	No	(763) 506-7600	112	16	7.0	59.8%	62 (55.4%)	18 (16.1%)	6 (5.4%)	8 (7.1%)	3 (2.7%)	0 (0.0%)	15 (13.4%)								(n/a)									$24,524
Anoka-Hennepin Regn High School Summer Prog	Public	8-12	1313 Coon Rapids Blvd NW	Coon Rapids	55433	Anoka County	Anoka-Hennepin School District	No	No	No	No	(763) 506-7400	0	0			0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)									$4,852
Anoka-Hennepin Regn Night School	Public	9-12	1313 Coon Rapids Blvd NW	Coon Rapids	55433	Anoka County	Anoka-Hennepin School District	No	No	No	No	(763) 506-7400	0	0	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)									$6,295
Paladin Career and Technical High School	Public, Charter	9-12	10220 Goldenrod St. NW	Coon Rapids	55448	Anoka County	Paladin Career and Technical High School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(763) 786-4799	233	12	20.2	63.9%	120 (51.5%)	52 (22.3%)	34 (14.6%)	3 (1.3%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (9.9%)	13.5	419^th of 480 public high schools	12.7%		5.7	456^th of 476 public high schools	4.2%	37	3.9	3.9		31.3	31.3				$19,164
Blaine High School	Public	9-12	12555 University Ave NE	Blaine	55434	Anoka County	Anoka-Hennepin School District	No	No	No	No	(763) 506-6500	3,103	152	20.4	35.8%	1,792 (57.8%)	491 (15.8%)	239 (7.7%)	338 (10.9%)	21 (0.7%)	1 (0.0%)	221 (7.1%)	73.1	122^nd of 480 public high schools	74.6%		74	102^nd of 476 public high schools	78.6%	20	39.6	39.6		57.1	57.1		45.8	45.8	$11,226
Champlin Park High School	Public	9-12	6025 109th Ave N	Champlin	55316	Hennepin County	Anoka-Hennepin School District	No	No	No	No	(763) 506-6800	2,978	146	20.3	39.3%	1,301 (43.7%)	682 (22.9%)	293 (9.8%)	421 (14.1%)	16 (0.5%)	2 (0.1%)	263 (8.8%)	61.2	202^nd of 480 public high schools	57.9%		66.9	149^th of 476 public high schools	68.7%	53	34.3	34.3		50.2	50.2		40.4	40.4	$11,983

Frequently Asked Questions about Northwest Passage High School

How many students attend Northwest Passage High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 149 students attended Northwest Passage High School.

What district is Northwest Passage High School in?

Northwest Passage High School

What is the racial makeup of Northwest Passage High School?

Students at Northwest Passage High School are 71% White, 10% Hispanic, 8% African American, 5% Two or more races, 3% Asian, 3% American Indian.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Minnesota Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.