Serving 141 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 44%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the North Dakota state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 2% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 29% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 141 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 2%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in ND
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School's student population of 141 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
141 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
School Rankings
Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 461 schools in North Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School is 0.04, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#113 out of 461 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
44%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
11%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
n/a
7%
Black
n/a
5%
White
98%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
26%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School's ranking?
Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School is ranked #113 out of 461 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% ND state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% ND state average).
How many students attend Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School?
141 students attend Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School?
Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 11:1.
What grades does Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School offer ?
Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School part of?
Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School is part of Fessenden-Bowdon 25 School District.
School Reviews
Review Fessenden-bowdon Elementary School. 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
Learn about how the current budget constraints are prompting public schools to institute hiring freezes - and how this will impact your children.

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.