Serving 42 students in grades 3-12, First City School 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 ≤20% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 4:1 is lower than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 3-12
- Enrollment: 42 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 4:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Graduation Rate: ≤20% (Btm 50% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class="so-dt-title" id="top-rankings">Top Rankings
First City School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="overview">School Overview <Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="school-rankings">School Rankings
First City School's student population of 42 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 3-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
42 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
School Calendar
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Empowering each learner to succeed in our diverse and changing world.
First City School 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 First City School is 0.61, which is more 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
#1596 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
13:1
American Indian
53%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
2%
12%
Black
14%
12%
White
31%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≤20%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
36%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions What is First City School's ranking?
First City School is ranked #1596 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of First City School?
The graduation rate of First City School is 20%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend First City School?
42 students attend First City School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of First City School students are American Indian, 31% of students are White, 14% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of First City School?
First City School has a student ration of 4:1, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does First City School offer ?
First City School offers enrollment in grades 3-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is First City School part of?
First City School is part of Bemidji Public School District.
School ReviewsReview First City 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
Review First City 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
Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Articles
Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.
