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Badlands Elementary School

Summary:

Badlands Elementary School is a public elementary school in Watford City, North Dakota, serving students from kindergarten to 5th grade. The school is part of the McKenzie County 1 school district, which is ranked 18 out of 20 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Badlands Elementary School has a more diverse student population compared to the nearby Fox Hills Elementary School, with a decrease in the percentage of white students and an increase in the percentage of Hispanic students over the past three years. However, the school has consistently higher chronic absenteeism rates and lower academic performance in Mathematics and Reading compared to the state average and the McKenzie County 1 district. Interestingly, Badlands has seen a significant increase in spending per student, from $8,900 in 2018-2019 to $12,689 in 2021-2022, which is higher than the nearby Alexander Elementary School, which spent $18,553 per student in 2021-2022.

Badlands Elementary School has seen a decline in its statewide ranking over the past decade, dropping from 47 out of 195 North Dakota elementary schools in 2011-2012 to 39 out of 50 in 2023-2024. The school has performed well for female students but struggled with the performance of male students and white students. Additionally, the school serves a significant population of economically disadvantaged students, with free and reduced lunch rates ranging from 27.08% to 42.4% in recent years. While Badlands and Fox Hills are both part of the McKenzie County 1 district, Fox Hills has a lower chronic absenteeism rate and higher academic performance, and Alexander Elementary School in a different district has a lower student-teacher ratio and spends more per student than Badlands.


Detail:

Public K-5

 300 3rd St SE
       Watford City, ND  58854

(701) 444-3626

District: McKenzie County 1

SchoolDigger Rank:
39th of 50 North Dakota Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,689 Help


Students who attend Badlands Elementary School usually attend:

High:    Watford City High School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.6 Help
Number of students:  566

Racial breakdown:

White:
67.1%
Hispanic:
26.1%
Two or more races:
2.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  42.4% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Badlands Elementary School ranks worse than 78% of elementary schools in North Dakota. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 26.68. (See more...)
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Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (67.1%), Hispanic (26.1%), two or more races (2.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 42.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Badlands Elementary School is 16.6. (See more...)
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Compare Badlands Elementary School employs 34 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Badlands Elementary School is $12,689.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Badlands Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

McKenzie County 1:

SchoolDigger ranks McKenzie County 1 18th of 20 North Dakota school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Badlands Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Badlands Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2012 67.77 47th 195 75.9%
2013 48.05 142nd 217 34.6%
2014 32.40 177th 217 18.4%
2015 32.88 146th 194 24.7%
2016 27.76 174th 207 15.9%
2017 24.66 169th 202 16.3%
2018 13.83 41st 46 10.9%
2019 13.31 37th 42 11.9%
2023 33.27 32nd 48 33.3%
2024 26.68 39th 50 22.0%
See the entire list of North Dakota Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Badlands Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.76 1st 1 0.0%
2019 7.10 1st 1 0.0%
See the entire list of Best North Dakota Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Badlands Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 9.47 1st 1 0.0%
2019 4.09 2nd 2 0.0%
See the entire list of Best North Dakota Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Badlands Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools ND State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 10.95 21st 22 4.5%
2019 7.47 21st 22 4.5%
See the entire list of Best North Dakota Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, 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.

Badlands Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
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District Scores:
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Data source: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

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Enrollment information for Badlands Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 435 1 3 0 15 n/a n/a 0 454
1989 452 1 0 2 7 n/a n/a 0 462
1990 412 1 2 0 11 n/a n/a 0 426
1991 387 2 0 0 8 n/a n/a 0 397
1992 402 2 1 0 8 n/a n/a 0 413
1993 388 2 0 0 8 n/a n/a 0 398
1994 363 2 0 0 10 n/a n/a 0 375
1995 322 1 0 1 11 n/a n/a 0 335
1996 322 1 0 1 11 n/a n/a 0 335
1997 309 1 0 0 17 n/a n/a 0 327
1998 287 1 0 0 17 n/a n/a 0 305
1999 263 1 0 0 19 n/a n/a 0 283
2000 277 1 0 0 25 n/a n/a 0 303
2001 269 1 0 0 26 n/a n/a 0 296
2002 264 1 0 1 16 n/a n/a 0 282
2003 264 1 0 1 16 n/a n/a 0 282
2004 256 1 0 4 15 n/a n/a 0 276
2005 248 1 0 5 19 n/a n/a 0 273
2006 221 0 1 5 10 n/a n/a 0 237
2007 224 0 1 5 13 n/a n/a 0 243
2008 232 1 1 8 8 n/a n/a 0 250
2009 239 2 1 0 10 n/a n/a 0 252
2010 255 2 3 0 11 n/a n/a 0 271
2011 272 0 0 0 12 3 5 0 292
2012 371 2 0 6 14 3 4 0 400
2013 444 3 0 22 10 2 11 0 492
2014 510 9 1 51 21 2 8 0 602
2015 659 11 7 96 27 2 17 0 819
2016 669 12 8 118 23 5 20 0 855
2017 699 14 11 117 22 3 20 0 886
2018 721 29 16 140 25 7 15 0 953
2019 699 36 21 188 29 8 14 0 995
2020 704 34 16 224 28 4 13 0 1023
2021 349 15 9 118 8 3 7 0 509
2022 329 7 6 117 9 3 9 0 480
2023 380 7 3 148 11 3 14 0 566

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 Badlands Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 454 20.0 22.7 n/a
1989 462 21.0 22.0 n/a
1990 426 24.0 17.7 n/a
1991 397 18.3 21.6 n/a
1992 413 18.0 22.9 20.6
1993 398 24.0 16.6 21.9
1994 375 24.0 15.6 16
1995 335 22.3 15.0 20.6
1996 335 22.3 15.0 20.6
1997 327 21.3 15.4 18.3
1998 305 21.1 14.5 20
1999 283 20.1 14.1 25.1
2000 303 21.7 14.0 34
2001 296 20.4 14.5 34.8
2002 282 19.5 14.5 32.6
2003 282 19.5 14.5 32.6
2004 276 21.4 12.9 28.3
2005 273 20.4 13.4 32.2
2006 237 20.4 11.6 33.3
2007 243 20.6 11.8 25.5
2008 250 20.6 12.1 24.4
2009 252 21.0 12.0 19
2010 271 21.0 12.9 25.1
2011 292 22.0 13.2 22.6
2012 400 27.0 14.8 23.3
2013 492 30.5 16.1 28
2014 602 38.0 15.8 42
2015 819 46.0 17.8 34.1
2016 855 54.0 15.8 27.8
2017 886 58.5 15.1 28.6
2018 953 61.5 15.4 16.5
2019 995 66.5 14.9 17.1
2020 1023 66.5 15.3 36
2021 509 36.0 14.1 36.5
2022 480 31.0 15.4 27.1
2023 566 34.0 16.6 42.4

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 Badlands Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 454 20.0 22.7 n/a
1989 462 21.0 22.0 n/a
1990 426 24.0 17.7 n/a
1991 397 18.3 21.6 n/a
1992 413 18.0 22.9 20.6
1993 398 24.0 16.6 21.9
1994 375 24.0 15.6 16
1995 335 22.3 15.0 20.6
1996 335 22.3 15.0 20.6
1997 327 21.3 15.4 18.3
1998 305 21.1 14.5 20
1999 283 20.1 14.1 25.1
2000 303 21.7 14.0 34
2001 296 20.4 14.5 34.8
2002 282 19.5 14.5 32.6
2003 282 19.5 14.5 32.6
2004 276 21.4 12.9 28.3
2005 273 20.4 13.4 32.2
2006 237 20.4 11.6 33.3
2007 243 20.6 11.8 25.5
2008 250 20.6 12.1 24.4
2009 252 21.0 12.0 19
2010 271 21.0 12.9 25.1
2011 292 22.0 13.2 22.6
2012 400 27.0 14.8 23.3
2013 492 30.5 16.1 28
2014 602 38.0 15.8 42
2015 819 46.0 17.8 34.1
2016 855 54.0 15.8 27.8
2017 886 58.5 15.1 28.6
2018 953 61.5 15.4 16.5
2019 995 66.5 14.9 17.1
2020 1023 66.5 15.3 36
2021 509 36.0 14.1 36.5
2022 480 31.0 15.4 27.1
2023 566 34.0 16.6 42.4

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.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Badlands Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,091 (12.3%) $7,809 (87.7%) $8,900
2020 $1,296 (12.9%) $8,760 (87.1%) $10,056
2021 $3,025 (22.8%) $10,256 (77.2%) $13,281
2022 $2,158 (17.0%) $10,532 (83.0%) $12,689

Data source: North Dakota Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Badlands Elementary School

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 37th of 42 Elementary schoolsRanks 32nd of 48 Elementary schools
 21.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
All Grades Mathematics (Badlands Elementary School)2936
 7%
   All Grades Mathematics (McKenzie County 1)3234
 2%
   All Grades Mathematics (North Dakota)4539
 6%
All Grades Reading (Badlands Elementary School)4042
 2%
   All Grades Reading (McKenzie County 1)4037
 3%
   All Grades Reading (North Dakota)4744
 3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students995566
 43.1%
African American367
 80.6%
American Indian2911
 62.1%
Asian213
 85.7%
Hispanic188148
 21.3%
Pacific Islander83
 62.5%
White699380
 45.6%
Two or More Races1414
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients17.1%42.4%
 25.3%

Schools Near Badlands Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Badlands Elementary School

Students at Badlands Elementary School are 67% White, 26% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races, 2% American Indian, 1% African American.

Badlands Elementary School ranks in the bottom 22.0% of North Dakota elementary schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 566 students attended Badlands Elementary School.

Students who attend Badlands Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Watford City High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

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.




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