Serving 354 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Merritt Elementary School ranks in the top 30% 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 55-59% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to 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 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 354 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 13%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Merritt Elementary serves the entire district of Mountain Iron, MN, encompassing an attendance area of approximately 139.1 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive to the school of 10 to 15 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 16.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Merritt Elementary School's student population of 354 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
354 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Motto
To Inspire Learning, Creating Opportunities, and Building Community
School Rankings
Merritt Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Merritt Elementary School is 0.24, 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
#479 out of 1773 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
4%
12%
Black
n/a
12%
White
87%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.1%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merritt Elementary School's ranking?
Merritt Elementary School is ranked #479 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Merritt Elementary School often compared to?
Merritt Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Merritt Elementary School?
354 students attend Merritt Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Merritt Elementary School students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Merritt Elementary School?
Merritt Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Merritt Elementary School offer ?
Merritt Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Merritt Elementary School part of?
Merritt Elementary School is part of Mountain Iron-Buhl School District.
School Reviews
Review Merritt Elementary 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.
