Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/controller/county_public_schools_state.inc.php on line 249
Best Public Schools in Stearns County (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Stearns County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 69 public schools serving 23,645 students in Stearns County, MN (there are 25 private schools, serving 3,480 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Stearns County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Stearns County, MN are Richmond Elementary School, Holdingford Elementary School and Oak Ridge Early Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Stearns County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Stearns County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Stearns County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Richmond Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
34 2nd St Ne
Richmond, MN 56368
(320) 597-2016
Gr: K-5 | 135 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #22.
Holdingford Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
900 5th St
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-4462
Gr: PK-6 | 589 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Oak Ridge Early Learning Center
(Math: 81% | Reading: 71% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1111 27th St N
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 258-3693
Gr: PK-K | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
Riverview Intermediate School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
627 Third Avenue North
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 253-2200
Gr: 3-5 | 914 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Pine Meadow Primary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 69% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1029 5th St N
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 253-8303
Gr: 1-2 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #66.
Sartell Middle School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
748 7th Street North
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-3710
Gr: 6-8 | 983 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #77.
Avon Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
410 Avon Ave N
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-5300
Gr: PK-5 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #88.
Albany Area High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
30 Forest Ave
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-5043
Gr: 9-12 | 584 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #99.
Albany Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
10 Forest Ave
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-2161
Gr: 1-5 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #1010.
Kimball Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
405 Hazel Ave E
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-5425
Gr: PK-5 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1111.
Sartell Senior High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3101 Pine Cone Rd
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-0748
Gr: 9-12 | 1,269 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1212.
Rocori Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
534 N 5th Ave
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-8683
Gr: 6-8 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #1313.
Westwood Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
5800 Ridgewood Rd
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-7630
Gr: PK-5 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #1414.
Albany Area Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
30 Forest Ave
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-2171
Gr: 6-8 | 457 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #1515.
Melrose Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
566 5th Ave Ne
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Gr: PK-5 | 512 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #1616.
Beacon Program W Central Ed. Dist.
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Gr: PK-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #1717.
Paynesville Area Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
205 W Mill St
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #1818.
Cold Spring Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
601 Red River Ave N
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-7534
Gr: PK-5 | 656 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #1919.
West Central Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Gr: 6-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #2020.
Melrose Secondary
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
546 5th Ave Ne
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Gr: 9-12 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #2121.
Rockville Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
415 W Broadway
Rockville, MN 56369
(320) 251-8651
Gr: K-5 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #2222.
Belgrade-brooten-elrosa Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
245 School Avenue
Brooten, MN 56316
(320) 254-8211
Gr: PK-5 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #2323.
Kennedy Community School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1300 Jade Rd
Saint Joseph, MN 56374
(320) 370-7430
Gr: PK-9 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #2424.
Kimball Secondary
(Math: 37% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
100 W State Highway 55
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-7700
Gr: 6-12 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #2525.
Holdingford Secondary
(Math: 38% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
900 5th St
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-2221
Gr: 7-12 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #2626.
Melrose Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
546 5th Ave Ne
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Gr: 6-8 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #2727.
Oak Hill Community Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2600 County Road 136
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 370-6000
Gr: PK-5 | 878 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #2828.
Sauk Centre Secondary
(Math: 38% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
903 State Rd
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-2258
Gr: 7-12 | 597 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #2929.
Roosevelt Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
3015 3rd St N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-6890
Gr: K-12 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #3030.
Sauk Centre Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
901 State Rd
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6521
Gr: PK-4 | 368 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #3131.
Sauk Centre Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
903 State Road
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-2258
Gr: 5-6 | 139 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #3232.
Saint Cloud Math And Science Academ
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1025 18th St N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 774-2201
Gr: K-5 | 266 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Madison Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2805 9th St N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-6330
Gr: PK-5 | 704 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #33 - 3433. - 34.
Technical Senior High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4200 33rd St S
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 370-8350
Gr: 9-12 | 1,561 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #3535.
Belgrade-brooten-elrosa Secondary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
710 Washburn Ave
Belgrade, MN 56312
(320) 254-8211
Gr: 6-12 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Stearns County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Stearns County, MN include Richmond Elementary School, Holdingford Elementary School and Oak Ridge Early Learning Center.
How many public schools are located in Stearns County?
65 public schools are located in Stearns County.
What percentage of students in Stearns County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Stearns County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Stearns County?
Stearns County public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Stearns County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
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
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
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:

Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/view/RegionQuickLinksView.inc.php on line 75

Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/view/RegionQuickLinksView.inc.php on line 82

Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/view/RegionQuickLinksView.inc.php on line 88

Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/view/RegionQuickLinksView.inc.php on line 94

Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/view/RegionQuickLinksView.inc.php on line 100

Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/view/RegionQuickLinksView.inc.php on line 106

Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/view/RegionQuickLinksView.inc.php on line 112

Notice: Undefined property: MultipleSchoolsModel::$total in /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/include/srn_lib/psr/view/RegionQuickLinksView.inc.php on line 123
School by Type (MN):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Notice: Javascript file does not exist: /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/javascript/components/popper.min.js in /home/devsarath/workspace/shared/misc/JSCompiler.inc.php on line 242

Notice: Javascript file does not exist: /home/devsarath/workspace/psr/public_html/javascript/components/tippy.min.js in /home/devsarath/workspace/shared/misc/JSCompiler.inc.php on line 242

Notice: Directory does not exist in /home/devsarath/workspace/shared/misc/JSCompiler.inc.php on line 242

Notice: Unable to save compiled js file in /home/devsarath/workspace/shared/misc/JSCompiler.inc.php on line 242