BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL is an one-room-style elementary school in TOFTE, Minnesota, part of Birch Grove Community School. The school enrolls 45 students in grades K through 5. Compared to the state average of about 344 students per school, that is 87% below typical.

Operationally, BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL answers to Birch Grove Community School, which sets policy, hires staff, and reports enrollment to the state.

In terms of who attends, BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL reports that the student body is overwhelmingly White (80%). Beyond that, the school reports 11% Hispanic, 9% multiracial.

In terms of school funding signals, The school currently runs with 4 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 11.3:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 13.7:1, putting BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL tighter than the state norm the norm. Roughly 51% of students at BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a number frequently used as a low-income enrollment indicator. Set against Cook County (around 40%), the school's rate is north of typical.

Around the school, community-level numbers for Cook County indicate median household income runs about $72,638, 47% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 5%. BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL is one of 9 public schools in Cook County (combined enrollment of about 652 students).

The closest other public school is WILLIAM KELLEY ELEMENTARY, roughly 27.4 miles away.

The school occupies a countryside site. As a public charter, BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL runs on public funding but with greater curricular and operational autonomy than a typical district school.

Looking at the recent track record. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL has climbed 73%, going from 26 students in 2018 to 45 in 2025. Over the same period, the Hispanic share ticked up from 0% to 11%. Class-load math has grew: from 8.4:1 in 2018 to 11.3:1 in 2025.

On this page, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.