For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 647 students in Cook County, MN.
The top-ranked public schools in Cook County, MN are Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School, Cook County Senior High School and Birch Grove Community School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cook County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Cook County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cook County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: PK-5 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Cook County Senior High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 9-12 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Birch Grove Community School
Charter School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9 Goodneighbor Hill Rd
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-0170
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-0170
Gr: K-5 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Oshki Ogimaag Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
73 Upper Rd
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2112
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2112
Gr: K-6 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Cook County Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 6-8 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Great Expectations
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
550 E 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-9322
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-9322
Gr: K-8 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Cook County Isd 166 Alc Program
Alternative School
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 741-9201
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 741-9201
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Cook County Isd 166 Credit Recovery
Alternative School
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 741-9201
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 741-9201
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Grand Marais Community
Special Education School
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cook County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Cook County, MN include Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School, Cook County Senior High School and Birch Grove Community School.
How many public schools are located in Cook County?
8 public schools are located in Cook County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cook County?
Cook County public schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.