Dakota Middle School vs Forest Lake Area Middle School
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in Minnesota, United States, 134 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Dakota Middle School
Rochester · Public middle · Grades 6–8
921 students
Forest Lake Area Middle School
Forest Lake · Public middle · Grades 7–8
916 students
| Measure | Dakota Middle School Rochester, Minnesota | Forest Lake Area Middle School Forest Lake, Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 72 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank | #80 of 266 | #55 of 266 |
| National rank | #2849 of 15,369 | #2230 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 7–8 |
| Students | 921 | 916 |
| Enrollment | 921 | 916 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 38.1% | 26.1% |
| Students per teacher | – | 19.5 |
| Reading proficiency | – | 68% |
| Math proficiency | – | 73% |
| city | Rochester | Forest Lake |
| state | Minnesota | Minnesota |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Forest Lake Area Middle School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (75.7 vs 72.4).
- •Forest Lake Area Middle School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (26.1% vs 38.1%).
- •Dakota Middle School is the larger school with 921 students compared with 916.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Dakota Middle School better than Forest Lake Area Middle School?
On the Success Index (US), Forest Lake Area Middle School ranks higher (75.7 vs 72.4 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Dakota Middle School and Forest Lake Area Middle School?
About 134 km in a straight line, between Rochester and Forest Lake in Minnesota.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Dakota Middle School: 921. Forest Lake Area Middle School: 916. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Dakota Middle School and Forest Lake Area Middle School rank in Minnesota?
Dakota Middle School is 80th of 266 and Forest Lake Area Middle School is 55th of 266 among middle schools in Minnesota on the 2025 Success Index (US).