Serving 338 students in grades 7-12, Barnum Secondary ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 45%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 338 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Barnum Secondary's student population of 338 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
338 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Rankings
Barnum Secondary ranks within the top 50% of all 1,860 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Barnum Secondary is 0.27, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#918 out of 1860 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
45%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
41%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
2%
12%
Black
1%
12%
White
85%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barnum Secondary's ranking?
Barnum Secondary is ranked #918 out of 1,860 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 45% MN state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Barnum Secondary?
The graduation rate of Barnum Secondary is 90%, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Barnum Secondary?
338 students attend Barnum Secondary.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Barnum Secondary students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Barnum Secondary?
Barnum Secondary has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Barnum Secondary offer ?
Barnum Secondary offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Barnum Secondary part of?
Barnum Secondary is part of Barnum Public School District.
School Reviews
Review Barnum Secondary. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Is Your Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.

43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.