¶¶Òô³ÉÈË

Pine River-Backus School District

401 Murray Ave
Pine River, MN 56474-0610
(District boundaries shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 879 students in Pine River-Backus School District. This district's average testing ranking is 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
Public Schools in Pine River-Backus School District have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Overview

This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
5 Schools
2,732 Schools
# Students
879 Students
870,790 Students
# Teachers
70 Teachers
57,779 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Pine River-Backus School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 520 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 87% has increased from 85-89% over five school years.
This School District
State Average (MN)
#309 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
34%
46%
45%
51%
42%
41%
87%
84%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.15
0.59
% American Indian
1%
2%
% Asian
1%
7%
% Hispanic
1%
12%
% Black
1%
12%
% White
92%
61%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $14,639 in this school district is less than the state median of $17,854. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $14,299 is less than the state median of $18,580. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
This School District
This State (MN)
Total Revenue
$13 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$13 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$14,639
$17,854
Spending / Student
$14,299
$18,580

Best Pine River-Backus School District Public Schools (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pine River-backus Alp
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1000 1st St N
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-3131
Gr: 9-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Pine River-backus Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
401 Murray Ave
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-4447
Gr: PK-6 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Pine River-backus High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
810 1st St N
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-4425
Gr: 7-12 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: n/an/a
Pine River-backus Midlevel Alp
Alternative School
1000 1st St N
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-3131
Gr: 7-8
Rank: n/an/a
Prb Pequot Lakes Midlevel Alc
Alternative School
30805 Olson St
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 568-9358
Gr: 6-8

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools belong to Pine River-Backus School District?
Pine River-Backus School District manages 5 public schools serving 879 students.
What is the rank of Pine River-Backus School District?
Pine River-Backus School District is ranked #329 out of 520 school districts in Minnesota (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year.
What is the racial composition of students in Pine River-Backus School District?
92% of Pine River-Backus School District students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Pine River-Backus School District?
Pine River-Backus School District has a student/teacher ratio of 13:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 15:1.
What is Pine River-Backus School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $14,299 is less than the state median of $18,580. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.

Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • District size: 5 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 879 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 8%
  • : 87% (Top 30% in MN)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 34% (Btm 50%)
  • : 45% (Btm 50%)
  • : 42% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

Quick Links