Serving 727 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Challenger Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 727 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Challenger Elementary serves the entire district of Thief River Falls, MN, encompassing an area of approximately 472.3 square miles. Families may expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the farthest edge of the attendance zone located about 18.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Challenger Elementary School's student population of 727 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
727 students
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Year Founded
1994
School Calendar
School Motto
Creating our future the Prowler Way.
School Rankings
Challenger Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Challenger Elementary School is 0.33, 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
#586 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
11%
12%
Black
n/a
12%
White
81%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.4%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Prowlers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenger Elementary School's ranking?
Challenger Elementary School is ranked #586 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Challenger Elementary School?
727 students attend Challenger Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Challenger Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Challenger Elementary School?
Challenger Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Challenger Elementary School offer ?
Challenger Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Challenger Elementary School part of?
Challenger Elementary School is part of Thief River Falls School District.
School Reviews
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