Serving 312 students in grades 5-8, Cass Lake-bena Middle School 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 8% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 312 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: CASS LAKE-BENA MIDDLE SCHOOL's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district, covering approximately 383.3 square miles in and around Cass Lake, MN. The zone typically requires a 20-30 minute drive to reach the school, with an average distance of 13 miles to its edges, extending up to 27.7 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cass Lake-bena Middle School's student population of 312 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
312 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
Campus Size
26 acres
School Rankings
Cass Lake-bena Middle School 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 Cass Lake-bena Middle School is 0.12, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1710 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
94%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
1%
12%
Black
1%
12%
White
4%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)46.5%
27.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Lions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cass Lake-bena Middle School's ranking?
Cass Lake-bena Middle School is ranked #1710 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?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Cass Lake-bena Middle School?
312 students attend Cass Lake-bena Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Cass Lake-bena Middle School students are American Indian, 4% of students are White, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cass Lake-bena Middle School?
Cass Lake-bena Middle School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Cass Lake-bena Middle School offer ?
Cass Lake-bena Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cass Lake-bena Middle School part of?
Cass Lake-bena Middle School is part of Cass Lake-Bena School District.
School Reviews
Review Cass Lake-bena Middle School. 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
