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GreatSchools Rating

Pelican Rapids Secondary

Public | 7-12 | 469 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
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2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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13 reviews of this school


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Posted May 20, 2010

This school continues to offer quality education in the face of multiple tax cuts, failed referendums and a chnaging community, multiple languages are spoken in this school in a town of around 2000. Because a large portion of it's tax base is outside lake home owners, thier impact on the votes has put this community at risk of loosing thier school,


Posted October 2, 2008

My experiences with this school system was less then positive. So much so that we made the daily trip to a Fergus Falls private school. There are just a few good teachers but they are out numbers by the ones who care only about what the union can get for them every year. Most seem very unhappy and act as if they are doing you a favor by being there. God forbid you should have a disagreement with any of them. I think if your non white or an illegal then this would be the school of choice for your child. If you enjoy listening to school board members and staff talk down parents and students that they don't like then this is a perfect place for you and your whole family. Do just what the school and businesses tell you to do and I'm sure you will love it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 18, 2006

I am pleased with my thirteen year run at Pelican Rapids Schools. In addition to the very beneficial diversity factor, it has a good sense of community about it. I feel like I was well prepared to move on into a college setting; however, I don't feel like I have been given an edge over students from other schools. Many college students are entering college with a great deal of college credits which they have gotten from a variety of ways. Brad Strand has taken many steps towards college in the classroom options, such as the AP Calc test and college credit for the UofM Crookston. I've been informed that other teachers are taking steps to add this major benefit to Pelican Rapids High School. I feel that adding these college credit option would truly allow PRHS to turn out powerhouse students.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted October 18, 2006

Pelican Rapids is a wonderful school. We are so fortunate to have raised our children in such a diverse community. It really does prepare them for the 'outside' world. I remember moving to Pelican Rapids from the twin cities in 1979, there were students who had never saw an africian american person. The staff led by Glenn Moerke are the best, he runs a wonderful school system and is fair and strong. I am glad we have raised our kids here, and would do it all over again.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2006

As a former student of Pelican Rapids Schools from Kindergarten upward, I cannot emphasize how much Viking Elementary and PRHS prepared me for college life, and, more importantly, for the 'outside world.' The multiculturalism and diversity represented in Pelican Rapids is an advantage, not a drawback; Pelican Rapids and its schools teach residents and students to embrace, respect, and learn about the diversity surrounding us, better preparing us for a changing world.
—Submitted by Amanda D., a former student


Posted October 11, 2006

As a proud 2005 PRHS graduate, I view the diversity of the student body as a major positive influence in my life. I can't describe the impact it has had in my development as an accepting adult. The school district handles diversity very well, in my opinion. Learning to embrace change and create global ties is becoming more and more necessary in our modern world, and this is the mindset of Pelican Rapids' wonderful administrators. Each day at school included hearing several foreign languages and learning more and more about fascinating cultures as I became best friends with people from Mexico, Africa, and all over the globe. I miss the diversity of Pelican Rapids now that I am in college, and I look back on my years in Pelican with great pride and gratitude. The Pelican Rapids school system has shaped who I am today.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted September 3, 2006

Pelican Rapids schools have very little to be happy about. We have too much 'diversity' here. The white kids are thought of second, as they cater to the needs of the 'diverse' section. At the present time my child is enrolled in a class that has only four other white children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 29, 2006

Both of my children graduated from Pelican Rapids a few years back. They were challenged by their teachers, and the teachers knew how to get the best from them academically. Both of them are now in graduate programs and the study skills they learned while in high school have served them well on their journey. Parents have every opportunity to be involved, but many times choose not to be. The fact that Pelican is multi racial is something that Pelican can be proud of. When students are exposed to different cultures, it only them helps to succeed in the world 'out there'. I feel blessed that my kids were able to experience the Pelican Rapids schools.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 28, 2006

I also graduated from Pelican Rapids high school and found the ethnic diversity beneficial to my college education. Many individuals do not have the opportunity to experience a community such as Pelican Rapids and in return are not as accepting of the diversity which surrounds our society. Racism is a major issue today, by integrating ethnicities in the classroom, we are all learning how to interact and work with each other to provide a better society. For my college education I am currently required to take a multicultural class and have found to be farther along the in the development of my cultural sensitivity. I am presently working toward a major as a health care provider and have learned the importance cultural sensitivity when providing health services. To the graduate who thought PRHS did not provided them with a quality education, check this out: http://www.embracediverseschools.com/release.htm
—Submitted by a former student


Posted September 25, 2005

In reply for the person who graduated, I worked in Pelican Rapids for one year, I totally enjoyed talking with all the different ethnic groups and learning about them. I think it would be awesome to have every school have some diversity in their school, maybe people would not be as prejudice as they are. People are usually prejudice because they are scared of the unknown. I also cannot say enough GOOD things about the Principal Glen Moerke and then Assistant Principal Becky Woessner. They were AWESOME! I wish we had awesome Principals in Fergus Falls Schools that actually cared about the kids like these two do! Thank you for the experience I had working there, the staff was also awesome!
—Submitted by Lisa, a staff


Posted January 1, 2005

The Pelican Rapids school system has many fortes, and equally many shortcomings. The high school is the system's downfall, mainly the senior high. One problem is ethnic diversity. Diversity is wonderful for a child to grow up with; however the kind of diversity that Pelican Rapids has is not what I would want my children to grow up with. It brings a bad element to the schools. I saw more violence and drug use in junior high then I saw in two years of college. College is another point; Pelican Rapids high school in no way prepared me for college. When I graduated there was only one course offered for college credit. The school claims diversity is a blessing, but it s a curse, the quality of education is degraded from it. I enjoyed my time at PRHS, but I would never under any circumstances send my own child there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 10, 2004

I think the diversity in this school has strengthened the entire student body. The school community has turned this into a win win situation. Great teachers! Communication between parents and teachers is excellent!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 29, 2004

Fantastic, caring teachers. Students are fortunate to experience diversity in a small town.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2010.

73 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
61%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

57 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
61%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2010.

80 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
51%

2009

 
 
61%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
61%

2009

 
 
59%
Science

The state average for Science was 44% in 2011.

74 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
33%

2010

 
 
43%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

The state average for Reading was 77% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
64%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 43% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
28%

2011

 
 
37%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
51%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 54% in 2011.

70 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
47%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students65%
Female72%
Male56%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic50%
Native Americann/a
White77%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Economically non-disadvantaged78%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities69%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English73%
Non-migrant67%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students57%
Female61%
Male53%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic42%
Native Americann/a
White74%
Economically disadvantaged49%
Economically non-disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilities31%
Students without disabilities63%
English language learners9%
Proficient in English64%
Non-migrant59%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students62%
Female63%
Male61%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic22%
Native Americann/a
White82%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Economically non-disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilities0%
Students without disabilities71%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English68%
Non-migrant64%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students28%
Female20%
Male36%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic13%
Native Americann/a
White33%
Economically disadvantaged13%
Economically non-disadvantaged35%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities29%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English28%
Non-migrant28%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II (MCA-II) to test students in reading in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and math in grade 11. The MCA-II is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

52 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
41%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
52%
Science

The state average for Science was 42% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
27%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 52% in 2012.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students63%
Female69%
Male57%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic39%
Native Americann/a
White76%
Economically disadvantaged58%
Economically non-disadvantaged69%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities68%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English70%
Non-migrant66%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students44%
Female50%
Male37%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic32%
Native Americann/a
White53%
Economically disadvantaged36%
Economically non-disadvantaged52%
Students with disabilities14%
Students without disabilities52%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English46%
Non-migrant45%

Science

All Students27%
Female24%
Male30%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic19%
Native Americann/a
White34%
Economically disadvantaged22%
Economically non-disadvantaged32%
Students with disabilities0%
Students without disabilities33%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English30%
Non-migrant28%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Science

All Students45%
Female45%
Male44%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic13%
Native Americann/a
White61%
Economically disadvantaged26%
Economically non-disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities52%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English50%
Non-migrant47%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-III (MCA-III) to test in math in grades 3 through 8, and in science for grades 5 and 8, and once in high school. The MCA-III is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 92% in 2012.

74 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
86%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
73%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
47%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
54%

2009

 
 
60%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Writing

All Students88%
Female94%
Male82%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic92%
Native Americann/a
White89%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Economically non-disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities88%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English91%
Non-migrant87%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Reading

All Students67%
Female69%
Male65%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic39%
Native Americann/a
White84%
Economically disadvantaged42%
Economically non-disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilities20%
Students without disabilities74%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English72%
Non-migrant68%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Math

All Students47%
Female39%
Male56%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic13%
Native Americann/a
White60%
Economically disadvantaged26%
Economically non-disadvantaged57%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities50%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English49%
Non-migrant47%
Scale: % meeting or exceeding standards

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Minnesota used Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment-II Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (MCA-II/GRAD) to test students in grade 9 in writing, 10 in reading, and 11 in math. The MCA-II/GRAD is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Minnesota. Students must pass the MCA-II/GRAD in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Minnesota Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

See Minnesota's state standards

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 69% 76%
Hispanic 21% 6%
Black 7% 10%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 6%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 2%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 35%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 16N/A16
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

310 South Broadway
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
Phone: (218) 863-5910

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