Serving 60 students in grades 9-12, Merc 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 <50% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 60%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 60%).
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 60 students
- Minority Enrollment: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 40-49% (Btm 50% in MN)
- Math Proficiency: <50%
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Merc ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Merc's student population of 60 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
60 students
Total Classroom Teachers (20-21)
1 teacher
Colors
Blue and Orange
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of Merc is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(15-16)<50%
60%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(14-15)<50%
60%
American Indian
9%
2%
Hispanic
50%
12%
Black
28%
12%
White
8%
60%
Two or more races
5%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
40-49%
84%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)93.3%
27.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 60% MN state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Merc?
The graduation rate of Merc is 40-49%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Merc?
60 students attend Merc.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Merc students are Hispanic, 28% of students are Black, 9% of students are American Indian, 8% of students are White, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What grades does Merc offer ?
Merc offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Merc part of?
Merc is part of Minneapolis Public School District.
In what neighborhood is Merc located?
Merc is located in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. There are 6 other public schools located in Powderhorn.
School Reviews
Review Merc. 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
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
