Serving 247 students in grades 7-12, Verndale Secondary ranks in the bottom 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 15-19% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 247 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Top 50% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Verndale Secondary's student population of 247 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
247 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
The mission of the Verndale Public School District is to provide a safe and innovative learning environment where all students are prepared for an ever-changing world through educational excellence.
School Rankings
Verndale Secondary ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Verndale Secondary is 0.17, 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
#1478 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
2%
Asian
2%
7%
Hispanic
3%
12%
Black
n/a
12%
White
91%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-89%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Verndale Secondary's ranking?
Verndale Secondary is ranked #1478 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Verndale Secondary often compared to?
Verndale Secondaryis often viewed alongside schools like Wadena-deer Creek Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Verndale Secondary?
The graduation rate of Verndale Secondary is 80-89%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Verndale Secondary?
247 students attend Verndale Secondary.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Verndale Secondary students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Verndale Secondary?
Verndale Secondary has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Verndale Secondary offer ?
Verndale Secondary offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Verndale Secondary part of?
Verndale Secondary is part of Verndale Public School District.
School Reviews
Review Verndale 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
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
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?
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.
