The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in English language arts. The lowest is 28% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Badger Elementary
Badger Elementary is a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in the small, rural town of Badger, Minnesota, near the Canadian border. It is the sole elementary school in the Badger Public School District. The student body is small and predominantly white, with a small share of students identifying as two or more races and very few Black or Hispanic students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The school does not report data on students with disabilities or English learners, a gap a parent may want to clarify with the school.
On state assessments, the school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it in the top quartile relative to other districts in Roseau County, a modest comparison set of four districts. Results vary considerably by grade and subject. In reading, the school’s third-grade proficiency is below half, fourth grade hovers near the midpoint, fifth grade is under half, and sixth grade reaches above half. In math, third grade is around the midpoint, fourth grade is at half, fifth grade drops sharply, and sixth grade is below half. Science results, available only for fifth grade, are low. The pattern suggests that while the school’s composite position looks favorable locally, performance is uneven, with some grades struggling particularly in math. No multi-year trend data exists to show whether these are one-year anomalies or sustained patterns.
The school serves only elementary grades, so there is no graduation rate. Data on chronic absenteeism and on staffing ratios was not available.
The town of Badger is very small and oriented around outdoor recreation and agriculture. Its population has been declining modestly in recent years. The local housing market is relatively affordable, well below state and national benchmarks, which may appeal to families seeking lower-cost homeownership. The school is situated on its own campus on Carpenter Avenue, separate from the Main Street civic core, a short distance from the town’s small cluster of municipal buildings and parks. No major employers besides the school district and city government were identified, and no public transit or library was found in search results.
For a parent, Badger Elementary offers a small, rural setting with a locally competitive overall proficiency rate. The academic picture is mixed, with some grades performing well in reading while others lag in math, and no trend data to gauge trajectory. The small enrollment means class sizes are likely modest and staff may know students well, but it also means a single cohort’s performance can swing the school’s averages noticeably. Families who value a tight-knit, outdoor-oriented community with affordable housing may find this a comfortable fit. Those concerned about specific grade-level results, particularly in upper-elementary math, may want to ask the school about instructional supports and curriculum.
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