It was established on July 1, 1997, by the merger of the Estherville and Lincoln Central school districts,[4] although its predecessor school districts first entered into a full grade sharing arrangement in 1993. The district serves a total population of approximately 8,800.
Schools
The district maintains three traditional schools, all of which are located on a single campus in Estherville:
Demoney Elementary School grades PK–4
Estherville–Lincoln Central Middle School grades 5–8
Estherville–Lincoln Central High School grades 9–12
Besides the traditional schools the district runs Forest Ridge School, which is an alternative high school serving clients of a residential treatment program for troubled adolescents. It is located in Gruver at the former Lincoln Central School campus. The district also maintains the Regional Wellness Center which is located just south of the district campus.[5][6]
Estherville–Lincoln Central High School
Athletics
Estherville–Lincoln Central's athletic program inherited the nickname, colors, traditions and history of Estherville High School. The high school's athletic teams, nicknamed the Midgets compete in the Lakes Conference in the following sports:[7]
In 1927, the Estherville football team was described as "midgets" by a local reporter because of a size difference with the opposing team. It has been the team mascot of Estherville Lincoln High School ever since.[12] In 2024, advocates affiliated with Little People of America (LMA) started a campaign to rename the mascot, alleging that the word is a pejorative slur and as such it amounts to a violation of federal laws against disability discrimination.[13] Superintendent Tara Paul stood by the name, adding "there is a real sense of pride behind the Mighty Midget because of what we believe a mascot represents."[14]
