For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,794 students in Swift County, MN.
The top-ranked public schools in Swift County, MN are Murdock Elementary School, Benson Area Learning Center and Heartland Girls Ranch. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swift County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Swift County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Swift County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Murdock Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
408 Hollis St N
Murdock, MN 56271
(320) 875-2441
Murdock, MN 56271
(320) 875-2441
Gr: PK-6 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Benson Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 7-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Heartland Girls Ranch
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 7-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1800 Nevada Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: PK-5 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Appleton-milan Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
349 S Edquist St
Appleton, MN 56208
(320) 289-1114
Appleton, MN 56208
(320) 289-1114
Gr: PK-4 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #66.
Benson Secondary
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 6-12 | 334 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #77.
Kerkhoven Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
302 N 15th St
Kerkhoven, MN 56252
(320) 264-1412
Kerkhoven, MN 56252
(320) 264-1412
Gr: 7-12 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: n/an/a
Kms Learning Center
Alternative School
302 N 15th St
Kerkhoven, MN 56252
(320) 264-1412
Kerkhoven, MN 56252
(320) 264-1412
Gr: 7-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Swift County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Swift County, MN include Murdock Elementary School, Benson Area Learning Center and Heartland Girls Ranch.
How many public schools are located in Swift County?
8 public schools are located in Swift County.
What is the racial composition of students in Swift County?
Swift County public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), 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.
