River Bend Area Learning Center

Summary:

River Bend Area Learning Center is a small public high school serving grades 7-12 in New Ulm, Minnesota, with a diverse student population of 63 students. However, the school has consistently struggled with low academic performance, poor graduation rates, and high dropout levels compared to nearby schools and state averages.

According to the key insights, River Bend Area Learning Center ranks among the lowest-performing high schools in Minnesota, receiving 0-1 out of 5 SchoolDigger stars. Its four-year graduation rates have ranged from just 27.5% to 57.1% over the past five years, well below the state average and nearby schools like Madelia Secondary, GFW High School, and Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Sec. Correspondingly, the school has had high dropout rates, ranging from 11.9% to 31.0%.

Further, River Bend Area Learning Center's proficiency rates on standardized tests are extremely low, with 0% proficiency in math and just 10% proficiency in reading in 2023-2024, well below state and district averages. This may be partly attributed to the school's high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, ranging from 36.84% to 66.67% over the past three years. Despite these challenges, the school has not shown meaningful improvement in its performance over time, and its academic outcomes for minority students appear to be worse than for White students.

Detail:

Public 7-12

1315 S Broadway
New Ulm, MN 56073-2223

(507) 359-8780

District: River Bend Education District

SchoolDigger Rank:
463^rd of 480 Minnesota High Schools

Student/teacher ratio: 14.4

Number of students: 63

Racial breakdown:

White:

79.4%

Hispanic:

17.5%

African American:

3.2%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 66.7%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details River Bend Area Learning Center ranks worse than 96.5% of high schools in Minnesota. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 5.04. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at River Bend Area Learning Center who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (79.4%), Hispanic (17.5%), African American (3.2%). (See more...)

Compare Details 66.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at River Bend Area Learning Center is 14.4. (See more...)

Compare River Bend Area Learning Center employs 4.3 full-time teachers.

Schooldigger Rankings:

River Bend Area Learning Center was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks River Bend Area Learning Center 463^rd of 480 Minnesota public high schools. (See River Bend Area Learning Center in the ranking list.)

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Rank History for River Bend Area Learning Center

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Rank History for all students at River Bend Area Learning Center

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2004	8.42	389^th	433	10.2%
2005	3.77	429^th	452	5.1%
2006	11.20	392^nd	450	12.9%
2007	6.03	450^th	463	2.8%
2008	6.91	430^th	460	6.5%
2010	17.19	417^th	540	22.8%
2011	10.43	453^rd	545	16.9%
2012	5.06	496^th	539	8.0%
2013	8.92	446^th	534	16.5%
2015	7.77	447^th	504	11.3%
2016	3.96	467^th	489	4.5%
2017	12.58	405^th	489	17.2%
2018	7.76	440^th	494	10.9%
2019	2.91	491^st	492	0.2%
2021	3.69	413^th	428	3.5%
2022	3.43	465^th	472	1.5%
2023	10.55	422^nd	476	11.3%
2024	5.04	463^rd	480	3.5%

See the entire list of Minnesota High School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at River Bend Area Learning Center

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	12.27	329^th	374	12.0%
2019	3.63	370^th	370	0.0%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at River Bend Area Learning Center

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	1.93	383^rd	395	3.0%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at River Bend Area Learning Center

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	6.04	371^st	398	6.8%
2019	2.10	404^th	411	1.7%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at River Bend Area Learning Center

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	2.94	397^th	414	4.1%
2019	1.00	411^th	412	0.2%
2021	1.05	361^st	364	0.8%
2022	1.23	397^th	401	1.0%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

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Enrollment information for River Bend Area Learning Center

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1995	20	0	0	7	n/a	n/a	27
1996	20	0	0	7	n/a	n/a	27
1997	52	3	0	7	n/a	n/a	62
1998	65	1	0	12	n/a	n/a	78
1999	83	0	0	7	n/a	n/a	90
2000	76	0	0	9	n/a	n/a	85
2001	74	0	0	5	n/a	n/a	79
2002	84	0	0	3	n/a	n/a	87
2003	84	0	0	3	n/a	n/a	87
2004	77	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	77
2005	70	0	0	9	n/a	n/a	79
2006	69	0	1	9	n/a	n/a	79
2007	68	1	0	17	n/a	n/a	86
2008	63	0	0	20	n/a	n/a	83
2009	60	0	0	24	n/a	n/a	84
2010	52	0	0	22	n/a	n/a	74
2011	62	0	0	28	0	0	90
2012	59	0	0	24	0	0	83
2013	48	0	0	25	0	0	73
2014	48	0	0	14	0	0	62
2015	38	0	0	10	0	0	48
2016	53	0	0	11	0	0	64
2017	59	1	0	28	0	0	88
2018	55	1	0	21	0	0	77
2019	44	1	0	21	0	0	66
2020	49	2	0	15	0	1	67
2021	53	1	0	10	0	1	65
2022	59	1	0	16	0	0	76
2023	50	2	0	11	0	0	63

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at River Bend Area Learning Center

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1995	27	3.6	7.5	0
1996	27	3.6	7.5	0
1997	62	3.2	19.4	17.7
1998	78	n/a	0.0	28.2
1999	90	7.2	12.5	33.3
2000	85	7.6	11.2	31.8
2001	79	8.3	9.5	31.6
2002	87	7.6	11.4	26.4
2003	87	7.6	11.4	26.4
2004	77	9.1	8.5	31.2
2005	79	7.2	11.0	39.2
2006	79	6.3	12.5	43
2007	86	8.0	10.8	36
2008	83	8.2	10.1	51.8
2009	84	6.6	12.7	48.8
2010	74	6.2	11.8	52.7
2011	90	6.8	13.1	50
2012	83	7.5	10.9	54.2
2013	73	8.9	8.2	60.3
2014	62	8.0	7.7	48.4
2015	48	9.0	5.3	58.3
2016	64	9.0	7.1	53.1
2017	88	9.7	9.0	62.5
2018	77	9.4	8.1	62.3
2019	66	10.8	6.0	71.2
2020	67	8.8	7.6	59.7
2021	65	5.1	12.5	50.8
2022	76	5.1	14.6	36.8
2023	63	4.3	14.4	66.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio River Bend Area Learning Center

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1995	27	3.6	7.5	0
1996	27	3.6	7.5	0
1997	62	3.2	19.4	17.7
1998	78	n/a	0.0	28.2
1999	90	7.2	12.5	33.3
2000	85	7.6	11.2	31.8
2001	79	8.3	9.5	31.6
2002	87	7.6	11.4	26.4
2003	87	7.6	11.4	26.4
2004	77	9.1	8.5	31.2
2005	79	7.2	11.0	39.2
2006	79	6.3	12.5	43
2007	86	8.0	10.8	36
2008	83	8.2	10.1	51.8
2009	84	6.6	12.7	48.8
2010	74	6.2	11.8	52.7
2011	90	6.8	13.1	50
2012	83	7.5	10.9	54.2
2013	73	8.9	8.2	60.3
2014	62	8.0	7.7	48.4
2015	48	9.0	5.3	58.3
2016	64	9.0	7.1	53.1
2017	88	9.7	9.0	62.5
2018	77	9.4	8.1	62.3
2019	66	10.8	6.0	71.2
2020	67	8.8	7.6	59.7
2021	65	5.1	12.5	50.8
2022	76	5.1	14.6	36.8
2023	63	4.3	14.4	66.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on River Bend Area Learning Center

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 491^st of 492 High schools	Ranks 422^nd of 476 High schools	11.1%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
10th Grade Reading (River Bend Area Learning Center)	4.6	30	25.5%
10th Grade Reading (River Bend Education District)	7.4	26.3	18.9%
10th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	60.4	51.7	8.7%
11th Grade Math (River Bend Area Learning Center)	0	0
11th Grade Math (River Bend Education District)	0	0
11th Grade Math (Minnesota)	45	36	9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	66	63	4.5%
African American	1	2	100%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	21	11	47.6%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	44	50	13.6%
Two or More Races	0	0
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	71.2%	66.7%	4.5%

Schools Near River Bend Area Learning Center

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCA-III Math (2024)					MCA-III Reading (2024)					MCA-III Science (2024)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCA-III Math 6th Grade	MCA-III Math 7th Grade	MCA-III Math 8th Grade	MCA-III Math 11th Grade	MCA-III Math All Grades	MCA-III Reading 6th Grade	MCA-III Reading 7th Grade	MCA-III Reading 8th Grade	MCA-III Reading 10th Grade	MCA-III Reading All Grades	MCA-III Science 8th Grade	MCA-III Science End of Course	MCA-III Science All Grades	Total
River Bend Area Learning Center	Public	7-12	1315 S Broadway	New Ulm	56073	Brown County	River Bend Education District	No	No	No	No	(507) 359-8780	63	4	14.4	66.7%	50 (79.4%)	2 (3.2%)	11 (17.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5	463^rd of 480 public high schools	3.5%		10.5	422^nd of 476 public high schools	11.3%	41				0.0	0.0				10.0	10.0
W.O.R.K. Program	Public	10-12	1209 South Broadway	New Ulm	56073	Brown County	River Bend Education District	No	No	No	No	(507) 359-8780	5	2	2.5		4 (80.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (20.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
River Bend Alternative Learning Center Credit Recovery Prog	Public	9-12	1315 South Broadway Street	New Ulm	56073	Brown County	River Bend Education District	No	No	No	No	(507) 359-8780	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
New Ulm CTE Center	Public	11-12	208 North Valley Street	New Ulm	56073	Brown County	New Ulm Public School District	No	No	No	No	(507) 233-6400	1	1	1.2		1 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
New Ulm High School	Public	9-12	1600 Oak Street	New Ulm	56073	Brown County	New Ulm Public School District	No	No	No	No	(507) 233-6400	706	31	22.4	29.0%	647 (91.6%)	2 (0.3%)	34 (4.8%)	7 (1.0%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	15 (2.1%)	87.2	38^th of 480 public high schools	92.1%		79.4	81^st of 476 public high schools	83.0%	43				43.5	43.5				62.4	62.4		69.3	69.3	$13,014
Nicollet High School	Public	7-12	1 Pine St	Nicollet	56074	Nicollet County	Nicollet Public School District	No	No	No	No	(507) 232-3411	177	14	12.4	18.1%	158 (89.3%)	4 (2.3%)	12 (6.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.7%)	54.5	236^th of 480 public high schools	50.8%		44.5	278^th of 476 public high schools	41.6%	42		31.0	57.1	37.0	40.3		33.3	42.9	50.0	41.1	14.3	27.3	20.9	$13,068
Sleepy Eye Sec.	Public	7-12	400 4th Ave SW	Sleepy Eye	56085	Brown County	Sleepy Eye Public School District	No	No	No	No	(507) 794-7904	251	22	11.2	44.2%	146 (58.2%)	1 (0.4%)	94 (37.5%)	4 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	5 (2.0%)	67.2	160^th of 480 public high schools	66.7%		58	207^th of 476 public high schools	56.5%	47		50.0	14.3	26.8	29.4		38.9	38.1	61.3	45.0	35.7	48.5	41.3	$13,767
GFW High School	Public	9-12	1001 N Cottonwood St	Winthrop	55396	Sibley County	GFW Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(507) 647-5382	214	17	12.3	43.0%	165 (77.1%)	2 (0.9%)	40 (18.7%)	2 (0.9%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (1.9%)	46.6	279^th of 480 public high schools	41.9%		30.7	361^st of 476 public high schools	24.2%	82				26.0	26.0				50.9	50.9		27.8	27.8	$15,574
Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Sec	Public	6-12	607 Knights Ln	Lake Crystal	56055	Blue Earth County	Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial	No	No	No	No	(507) 726-2110	517	28	18.3	26.9%	482 (93.2%)	2 (0.4%)	21 (4.1%)	1 (0.2%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (1.5%)	81	69^th of 480 public high schools	85.6%		87	42^nd of 476 public high schools	91.2%	27	42.6	38.0	49.3	42.3	43.0	50.8	41.4	58.2	59.7	52.7	32.8	54.6	44.4	$11,221
Lcwm Alp	Public	9-12	607 Knights Lane	Lake Crystal	56055	Blue Earth County	Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial	No	(n/a)	(n/a)	(n/a)	(507) 726-2110	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)

Frequently Asked Questions about River Bend Area Learning Center

What district is River Bend Area Learning Center in?

River Bend Education District

How many students attend River Bend Area Learning Center?

In the 2022-23 school year, 63 students attended River Bend Area Learning Center.

Is River Bend Area Learning Center a good school?

River Bend Area Learning Center ranks in the bottom 3.5% of Minnesota high schools.

What is the racial makeup of River Bend Area Learning Center?

Students at River Bend Area Learning Center are 79% White, 17% Hispanic, 3% African American.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Minnesota Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.