Serving 47 students in grades 8-12, Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower 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 9:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 47 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 21-39% (Btm 50% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.'s student population of 47 students has grown by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 5 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
47 students
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
School Motto
To ensure through cooperative planning, that youth and young adults with disabilities and those individuals who are at risk are provided with social, recreational, vocational, and living skills necessary to make the transition to productive community livi
School Rankings
Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. is 0.50, 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
#1179 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
51%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
30%
12%
Black
2%
12%
White
64%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
21-39%
84%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)100%
27.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.'s ranking?
Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. is ranked #1179 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% 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).
What is the graduation rate of Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.?
The graduation rate of Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. is 21-39%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.?
47 students attend Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr..
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. students are White, 30% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr.?
Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. offer ?
Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. offers enrollment in grades 8-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. part of?
Southern Plains Area Learning Cntr. is part of Southern Plains Education Coop. School District.
School Reviews
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