Serving 393 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Tatanka Elementary Stem School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 46% (which is equal to the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 49% (which is lower 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 23% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 393 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Tatanka Elementary serves the northwest part of Buffalo, MN, covering an area of approximately 4 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 1.8 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone and a maximum distance of 3.7 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Tatanka Elementary Stem School's student population of 393 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
393 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Motto
The place to dream, believe and achieve.
School Rankings
Tatanka Elementary Stem School 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 Tatanka Elementary Stem 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
#961 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
2%
7%
Hispanic
6%
12%
Black
8%
12%
White
77%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.3%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
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 Tatanka Elementary Stem School's ranking?
Tatanka Elementary Stem School is ranked #961 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Tatanka Elementary Stem School often compared to?
Tatanka Elementary Stem Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northwinds Elementary School, Discovery Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Tatanka Elementary Stem School?
393 students attend Tatanka Elementary Stem School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Tatanka Elementary Stem School students are White, 8% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Tatanka Elementary Stem School?
Tatanka Elementary Stem School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Tatanka Elementary Stem School offer ?
Tatanka Elementary Stem School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Tatanka Elementary Stem School part of?
Tatanka Elementary Stem School is part of Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools.
School Reviews
Review Tatanka Elementary Stem 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.
