East Central School District

61085 State Highway 23
Finlayson, MN 55735-4514
(District boundaries shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 765 students in East Central School District. This district's average testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
Public Schools in East Central School District have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Overview

This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
4 Schools
2,724 Schools
# Students
765 Students
870,541 Students
# Teachers
44 Teachers
57,765 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

East Central School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 520 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 75% has decreased from 75-79% over five school years.
This School District
State Average (MN)
#315 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
38%
46%
41%
51%
31%
41%
75%
84%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.34
0.59
% American Indian
9%
2%
% Asian
n/a
7%
% Hispanic
4%
12%
% Black
1%
12%
% White
81%
61%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $18,469 is higher than the state median of $17,860. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,512 is less than the state median of $18,585. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
This School District
This State (MN)
Total Revenue
$14 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$13 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$18,469
$17,860
Spending / Student
$17,512
$18,585

Best East Central School District Public Schools (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Central Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
61085 State Highway 23
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6013
Gr: PK-6 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Crossroads Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
61085 State Highway 23
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6016
Gr: 7-12 | 38 students Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
East Central Senior Secondary
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
61085 State Highway 23
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6015
Gr: 7-12 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: n/an/a
61085 State Highway 23
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6013
Gr: PK-K

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools belong to East Central School District?
East Central School District manages 4 public schools serving 765 students.
What is the rank of East Central School District?
East Central School District is ranked #321 out of 520 school districts in Minnesota (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year.
What is the racial composition of students in East Central School District?
81% of East Central School District students are White, 9% of students are American Indian, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of East Central School District?
East Central School District has a student/teacher ratio of 17:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 15:1.
What is East Central School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $17,512 is less than the state median of $18,585. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.

Recent Articles

Bullying, Name-Calling & Put-Downs: Parent Guide 2025
Bullying, Name-Calling & Put-Downs: Parent Guide 2025
Practical tips for parents to address bullying, name-calling, and put-downs—with 2025 data, policies, and expert strategies.
What Is a Magnet School? (2025 Guide)
What Is a Magnet School? (2025 Guide)
Explore what a magnet school is, how it works, and its benefits in 2025. Clear explanation for parents, students, and educators.
Cooperative Learning in 2025: Evidence, Best Practices & Challenges
Cooperative Learning in 2025: Evidence, Best Practices & Challenges
Explore cooperative learning in 2025—new data, updated practices, expert insights for educators and families.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • District size: 4 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 765 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 19%
  • : 75% (Top 50% in MN)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 38% (Top 50%)
  • : 41% (Btm 50%)
  • : 31% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

Quick Links