Education system and best schools in North Dakota: Kindergarten to 12th-grade education system. North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. High school graduation rate. Student-teacher ratio statistics. School district performance metrics. AP courses and dual enrollment options. Notable public high schools. Charter and private school availability. Higher education institutions. Education-related state funding programs.
Kindergarten to 12th-grade education system.
North Dakota's K-12 education system serves a significant number of students across numerous public schools, with an impressive 91% of students attending these institutions. The top-ranked public schools in the state include Larimore Elementary School, Ellendale High School, and Rhame Elementary School. These schools are recognized for their high math and reading proficiency scores, showcasing the quality of education offered within the state. Furthermore, North Dakota boasts a commendable student-teacher ratio of 12:1, enhancing the overall learning experience. For more detailed insights into the educational landscape, visit the North Dakota Public School Review website.
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, led by State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, provides guidance for school districts to comply with state and federal laws, communicates state education policy, and works to ensure all students graduate "choice ready" with the necessary knowledge, skills, and disposition for success. The department also oversees initiatives such as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and COVID-19 learning recovery programs.
High school graduation rate.
The high school graduation rate in North Dakota is measured by the on-time graduation rate, which is the percentage of students who obtain a high school diploma within four years of entering 9th grade. Additional metrics include graduation rates within five, six, and seven years, as well as a Completer Rate that incorporates General Education Development (GED) diplomas. For more detailed insights, you can visit the North Dakota Education Insights website.
Student-teacher ratio statistics.
The student-teacher ratios in North Dakota's best public high schools vary, with some schools having ratios as low as 5:1 (Finley-Sharon High School) and others ranging from 8:1 to 16:1. The average often hovers around 13:1, indicating a relatively small class size in many of these schools. For more insights, explore the Best Public High Schools North Dakota to understand the educational environment in this state.
School district performance metrics.
In North Dakota, school district performance is evaluated through comprehensive accountability reports that include metrics such as graduation rates, test scores, student engagement surveys, progress of English Learner students, and the number of students deemed "Choice Ready" for post-secondary education or the workforce. These reports also consider multiple factors beyond test scores to assess the quality of educational experience, and are accessible through the state's website, Insights of North Dakota.
AP courses and dual enrollment options.
In North Dakota, the education system offers dual credit programs for students in grades 10 through 12, allowing them to take college courses and earn both high school and college credit. These courses are taught by approved instructors and can be taken face-to-face, online, or through other distance education methods. Students need a minimum GPA of 3.0 and written permission from their high school administrator to enroll. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the Dual Credit page managed by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.
Notable public high schools.
This article ranks the top public high schools in North Dakota for 2024, based on reviews from students and parents, offering insights into these educational institutions. Among the top performers are Finley Sharon High School, Des Lacs-Burlington High School, Grand Forks Central High School, and Fargo Davies High School. It provides valuable information for parents and students looking to make informed decisions about their educational futures in this region.
Charter and private school availability.
North Dakota does not have any charter school legislation, meaning there are no public charter schools available. However, families can choose from traditional public schools, private schools, online learning programs, homeschooling, and microschooling, with over 50 private schools offering unique curricula and smaller class sizes. For more information on education options, you can visit the Powered By Education website to explore the variety of educational paths available in North Dakota.
Higher education institutions.
The North Dakota University System (NDUS) encompasses a range of institutions including two research universities, four regional universities, and five community colleges, all dedicated to improving the quality of life as well as the economic and social vitality of North Dakota. Governed by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, this system was officially organized in 1990. For more detailed information, visit the North Dakota University System page.
Education-related state funding programs.
North Dakota's education system utilizes a student-based funding formula, offering a base allocation for each student while providing extra funding for particular categories such as English-language learners, low-income students, students with disabilities, gifted students, and those enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs. The state additionally provides supplemental funding for sparsely populated or small districts, special education services, and reimburses districts for certain costs associated with gifted and talented programs and residential facilities for students with disabilities. For more details on the funding specifics, visit the North Dakota Education Funding website.