Detroit Lakes High School is a public high school located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, United States. It serves approximately 900 students and is a part of the Detroit Lakes Public Schools system. The school colors are red and white and the athletic teams are known as "The Lakers".
Serving 791 students in grades 9-12, Detroit Lakes Senior High School ranks in the top 20% 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 50-54% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 64% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 791 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 30% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 64% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 56% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Detroit Lakes Senior High's attendance zone covers the entire district of Detroit Lakes, MN, encompassing approximately 324.6 square miles. Families typically find that it takes 15-20 minutes to drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being 23.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Detroit Lakes Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Detroit Lakes Senior High School's student population of 791 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
791 students
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
Year Founded
1980
School Calendar
School Rankings
Detroit Lakes Senior High School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Detroit Lakes Senior High School is 0.40, 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
#340 out of 1773 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
17%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
2%
12%
Black
1%
12%
White
76%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
84%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.7%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Laker
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Detroit Lakes Senior High School's ranking?
Detroit Lakes Senior High School is ranked #340 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Detroit Lakes Senior High School often compared to?
Detroit Lakes Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lake Park Audubon High School, Pelican Rapids Secondary, Barnesville High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Detroit Lakes Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Detroit Lakes Senior High School is 89%, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Detroit Lakes Senior High School?
791 students attend Detroit Lakes Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Detroit Lakes Senior High School students are White, 17% of students are American Indian, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Detroit Lakes Senior High School?
Detroit Lakes Senior High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Detroit Lakes Senior High School offer ?
Detroit Lakes Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Detroit Lakes Senior High School part of?
Detroit Lakes Senior High School is part of Detroit Lakes Public School District.
School Reviews
Review Detroit Lakes Senior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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