Lifelong Learning
If you’re looking for a quality education, you couldn’t come to a better place. Minnesota’s progressive stance on education has provided the foundation for our state’s strong economy and high quality of life. Today, Minnesota high school students consistently outperform the national average on the ACT test, and 2012 marks the seventh consecutive year Minnesota students have led the nation in average composite score on the college entrance exam.
Our Districts
Swift County students average a graduation rate well above the state rate of 76.9%, but a Swift County education offers more than just stellar academics. From award winning marching bands and state champion football teams, to dance teams and theatrical performances, BPA (Business Professionals of America), FFA (Future Farmers of America), YES (Youth Energy Summit), and many more. Swift County schools provide the activities and amenities to rival metro schools, but in a small town environment that cares.
| Swift County School Districts (grade span in Swift County) |
Enrollment 2012 |
Student teacher ratio 07/08 |
Current expenditure per student 2009 |
4 Year Graduates 2011 |
4 Year Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benson Public Schools (PK-12) | 908 | 14 | $9,827.00 | 92 | 85.20% |
| Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg (PK-12) | 575 | 13 | $10,024.00 | 48 | 88.90% |
| Lac Qui Parle Valley (PK-4) | 800 | 15 | $11,296.00 | 82 | 93.20% |
Higher Education at Your Doorstep
Nearly half of our residents have attended at least some college, many of them at one of our regions many institutions of higher learning within a convenient drive of Swift County. These include one University of Minnesota campus, three MNSCU campuses: 1 four-year college and three technical and community colleges.
| University/College | Enrollment | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| AlexandriaTechnical College | 3647 | Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, diplomas, certificates. More than 50 technical programs including a Member of theMinnesotaCenterfor Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence. |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | 4452 | Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, diplomas, certificates. Unique programs in Renewable Energy, Biofuel, Wind Energy Technology and Robotics. |
| Ridgewater College | 5615 | Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, diplomas, certificates. Member of theHealthforceMinnesotaCenterfor Excellence. Largest programs include Liberal arts, health, agriculture and management, business, veterinary technology |
| University of Minnesota, Morris | 2343 | True to its liberal arts mission, students choose from 34 majors and minors and eight pre-professional programs in Education, the Humanities, Science and Mathematics, and the Social Sciences. |
