For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 290 students in Heron Lake-Okabena School District. This district's average testing ranking is 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
Schools in Heron Lake-Okabena School District have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
2 Schools
2,732 Schools
# Students
290 Students
870,790 Students
# Teachers
24 Teachers
57,779 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Heron Lake-Okabena School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 522 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 90% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#443 out of 527 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
45%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
41%
Graduation Rate
≥90%
84%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.42
0.59
% American Indian
3%
2%
% Asian
1%
7%
% Hispanic
19%
12%
% Black
1%
12%
% White
74%
61%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $18,062 is higher than the state median of $17,854. The school district revenue/student has grown by 10% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $17,379 is less than the state median of $18,580. The school district spending/student has grown by 10% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$5 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$5 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$18,062
$17,854
Spending / Student
$17,379
$18,580
Best Heron Lake-Okabena School District Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Heron Lake-okabena Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
321 Stearns Ave
Heron Lake, MN 56137
(507) 793-2307
Heron Lake, MN 56137
(507) 793-2307
Grades: PK-6
| 132 students
Rank: #22.
Heron Lake-okabena Secondary
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
124 N Minnesota Ave
Okabena, MN 56161
(507) 853-4507
Okabena, MN 56161
(507) 853-4507
Grades: 7-12
| 158 students
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Heron Lake-Okabena School District?
Heron Lake-Okabena School District manages 2 public schools serving 290 students.
What is the rank of Heron Lake-Okabena School District?
Heron Lake-Okabena School District is ranked #440 out of 522 school districts in Minnesota (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2021-2022 school year.
What is the racial composition of students in Heron Lake-Okabena School District?
74% of Heron Lake-Okabena School District students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Heron Lake-Okabena School District?
Heron Lake-Okabena School District has a student/teacher ratio of 12:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 15:1.
What is Heron Lake-Okabena School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $17,379 is less than the state median of $18,580. The school district spending/student has grown by 10% over four school years.
Recent Articles

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.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.

Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.