The top reported proficiency rate is 40% in Math. The lowest is 12% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Ogilvie Secondary
Ogilvie Secondary sits at the center of a small, rural town in east-central Minnesota’s Kanabec County. It is a regular public school serving grades seven through twelve, and it is the only secondary school in the Ogilvie Public School District. The town itself has deep railroad roots, a tight-knit atmosphere, and a historic concrete water tower listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Civic anchors include the Ogilvie Tower Museum and the Ogilvie Raceway. The Groundhouse River flows nearby, and major routes are Minnesota State Highways 23 and 47.
Academically, the school’s state assessment results are mixed, and the overall picture is one where families will want to look closely at how their child’s needs align with what the school delivers. In math during the most recent testing year, seventh-grade students recorded a proficiency rate that was below the midpoint of what the state expects, while eighth-grade math was stronger but still fell short of a majority proficient. In reading, seventh graders posted a proficiency rate that was in a similar range to their math performance, but eighth-grade reading was notably lower. Science testing for eighth graders showed a proficiency rate that was sharply lower than the other subjects. The school’s overall proficiency index across tested subjects and grades places it in the bottom quartile relative to districts in Kanabec County. That county comparison set includes only two districts, so the positioning is based on a very small cohort. Still, the data signals that a significant portion of students are not meeting grade-level benchmarks, and a parent may want to ask the school about interventions and supports, particularly in reading and science.
The school does not have a publicly reported graduation rate in the data examined, so it is not possible to speak to how many of its seniors finish on time. Similarly, the data does not include chronic absenteeism rates, discipline figures, or course access information. These are material gaps for any secondary school, and families should consider asking the school directly for that information.
Enrollment is modest for a combined middle and high school. The student body is overwhelmingly white, with a very small Hispanic population and a small share of students identifying as two or more races. More than two out of five students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a substantial share that reflects the economic profile of the area. Housing values in the surrounding zip code are below the state median, but have seen a noticeable increase recently. The town’s population grew modestly between the most recent censuses, and it is described as retaining its small-town character while embracing growth. Major employers are not detailed in the available sources beyond the school district itself, which is a notable employer with a full-time teaching staff.
Ogilvie Secondary is the kind of school where a family choosing it is likely tied to the town or the surrounding rural area. The academic data points to challenges in reaching state proficiency targets, especially in eighth-grade reading and eighth-grade science. The lack of graduation rate and other outcome data makes it harder to assess how well the school prepares students for life after twelfth grade. On the positive side, the school benefits from a close-knit community setting, and the district has a stable public school identity serving a small population. No recent district-level changes such as referenda, curriculum shifts, or property-tax changes were found in publicly available sources, so it appears to be operating without major disruption. For a parent weighing this school, the core questions center on academic support: how the school addresses the proficiency gaps seen in the state tests and what pathways exist for students who need extra help.
See more original research from School Decision →