Pine River-Backus School District

The Pine River-Backus School District in Minnesota operates three schools: one elementary school, two high schools (one of which is an alternative learning program). The district serves a predominantly white student population, with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant socioeconomic challenges.

Pine River-Backus Elementary School stands out with the highest enrollment and strong 3rd-grade math proficiency, though its overall math and reading scores lag behind state averages. In contrast, the district's two high schools, Pine River-Backus High School and the Pine River-Backus ALP, struggle with lower academic proficiency, particularly in math and science. The ALP school also has a significantly lower graduation rate and a higher dropout rate compared to the regular high school.

These findings suggest a need for targeted interventions and support to help students maintain and build upon their early academic success as they progress through the grades, especially in the high schools and the alternative learning program. Addressing the disparities in academic performance and graduation rates, as well as the socioeconomic challenges faced by the district, will be crucial for the continued improvement of the Pine River-Backus School District.