Photo: Bjoertvedt · CC BY-SA 3.0Aurora’s public schools score below 60% of Minnesota districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 29% of Aurora’s students scored proficient, below the Minnesota average (45%). The grade covers the public school district serving Aurora, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Minnesota, not nationally.
From Minnesota state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Aurora’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 44% of tested students were proficient in reading and 29% in math, against 51% and 45% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 83% across Minnesota (the state reports Aurora’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,966 per student, against $17,091 across Minnesota (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle school
From grade 7 the district’s path is Mesabi East Secondary. Enrollment is down 7% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Aurora’s grade
C+: better than 40% of Minnesota school districts. Graduation is above the Minnesota average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Aurora, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Aurora
Mesabi East Elementary
Grades PK–6 · 470 students · 15:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Aurora
Mesabi East Secondary
Grades 7–12 · 392 students · 18:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Aurora
Mesabi East Secondary
Grades 7–12 · 392 students · 18:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Aurora
Mesabi East Secondary
Grades 7–12 · 392 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Aurora’s public schools are run by Mesabi East School District, which also serves Biwabik, Biwabik, Colvin and Hoyt Lakes and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Aurora vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Minnesota towns that share Aurora’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | C+ | Mesabi East |
Every school in Aurora
2 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Minnesota’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Aurora’s schools
Are Aurora’s schools good?
On Minnesota’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Aurora children attend score below 60% of Minnesota’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 41%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Aurora in?
Mesabi East School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 862 students in 2 schools (2024–25).
What is Aurora’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Mesabi East School District graduated in four years, against 83% across Minnesota.
How much does Aurora spend per student?
$15,966 in Mesabi East School District (FY2024), against $17,091 across Minnesota. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Aurora families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Aurora → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Minnesota. Stars are from neighbors.