CASS LAKE-BENA ELEMENTARY

CASS LAKE-BENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
15 4TH ST NW
CASS LAKE, MN 56633
450 Students
Elementary School Pre-K - 4th
School Overview
Cass Lake-Bena Elementary, located in Cass Lake, Minnesota, serves as a central educational hub for the local community and is a key component of the Cass Lake-Bena School District. Situated in the heart of the Leech Lake Reservation, the school plays a vital role in integrating academic curriculum with the cultural heritage and traditions of the Anishinaabe people. The school is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that addresses the diverse needs of its student body while promoting equity, academic growth, and community connection.

Beyond its focus on core subjects like literacy and mathematics, the elementary school emphasizes holistic development by encouraging student participation in programs that celebrate tribal history and language. By collaborating closely with families and tribal leadership, Cass Lake-Bena Elementary strives to create a culturally responsive atmosphere where students feel empowered to succeed. The school serves as a foundational pillar for the district, preparing young learners for middle school through a combination of traditional instructional methods and place-based learning initiatives.
450
Total Students
44.5
Full-Time Teachers
10.1
Student/Teacher Ratio
85.3%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics
  • American Indian
    425 (94.4%)
  • White
    9 (2.0%)
  • Hispanic
    8 (1.8%)
  • Two or More
    8 (1.8%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Elementary School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: CASS LAKE-BENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Phone: (218)335-2201
Grade Range: Pre-K - 4th
Total Students: 450
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 44.5
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 10.1
NSLP Participation:1 Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch: 355
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 29

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

1 National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught
Pre-Kindergarten 50
Kindergarten 74
Grade 1 75
Grade 2 87
Grade 3 86
Grade 4 78
Gender Ratio