Top Rankings
Turtle Lake-Mercer 72 School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in North Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 5%)
For the 2026 school year, there is 1 public preschool serving 97 students in Turtle Lake-Mercer 72 School District. This district's average pre testing ranking is 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public pre schools in North Dakota.
Public Preschool in Turtle Lake-Mercer 72 School District have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the North Dakota public pre school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 44% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public preschool average of 27% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (ND)
# Schools
2 Schools
177 Schools
# Students
182 Students
32,809 Students
# Teachers
22 Teachers
2,987 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
8:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Turtle Lake-Mercer 72 School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 163 school districts in North Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 60-79% has increased from 50% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#94 out of 167 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
44%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)60-79%
85%
Chronically Absent Students
(2022-23)10.1%
20.9%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.10
0.45
% American Indian
2%
10%
% Asian
n/a
1%
% Hispanic
n/a
8%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
95%
74%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $20,907 is higher than the state median of $17,517. The school district revenue/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $20,923 is higher than the state median of $17,519. The school district spending/student has grown by 8% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$2,154 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$2,154 MM
Revenue / Student
$20,907
$17,517
Spending / Student
$20,923
$17,519
Best Turtle Lake-Mercer 72 School District Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Turtle Lake-mercer Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
250 3rd Ave W
Turtle Lake, ND 58575
(701) 448-2365
Turtle Lake, ND 58575
(701) 448-2365
Gr: PK-6 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Recent Articles
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.
