Two Local Minnesota School Districts Rated Among The Worst In Annual Study

This is a bit embarrassing, I must admit. Last month Niche.com released their list of the best schools in the country, and, in addition, the organization graded each school district based on numerous factors.

The findings indicated one thing.

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Owatonna and Faribault Public School Districts have a lot of improving to do.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty. Let us step back a second and ask a very important question.

What are these 'grades' based on?

The following (in order of the most weight):

• Academics/Grades
• Culture and Diversity
• Parent/Student Surveys on Overall Experience
• Teachers
• Clubs and Activities
• Health and Safety
• Resources and Facilities
• Sports

Now back to Niche's findings.

Owatonna Public School District encompasses 5,004 students from PK-12th grade. The student-teacher ratio is 16 to 1 (not bad!). According to state test scores, 50% of students are at least proficient in math and 54% in reading (could be better, but we will take it).

Now, Faribault Public School District houses 3,506 students from PK-12th grade. The student ratio is 13 to 1 (really good!). And, according to state test scores, 35% of students are at least proficient in math and 42% in reading (really not good).

The best-rated school districts are as followed:

• Minnetonka Public School District
• Wayzata Public School District
• Edina Public School District
• Eden Prairie Public School District
• Eagle Ridge Academy Charter School
• Orono Public School District
• Sartell-St. Stephen School District
• St. Michael-Albertville School District
• Westonka Public School District
• Mounds View Public School District

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The odds aren't in our favor, it seems. But all we can do is go up from here, am I right? If you'd like the top 25 public schools in Southeast Minnesota, click here.