For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,725 students in Thief River Falls, MN (there are 3 private schools, serving 116 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Thief River Falls, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Thief River Falls, MN are Challenger Elementary School, Northwest Area Learning Center and Lincoln Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Thief River Falls, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Thief River Falls have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% 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 Thief River Falls, MN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Challenger Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
601 County Road 61
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Gr: PK-5 | 727 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Northwest Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
230 Labree Ave S
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-7051
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-7051
Gr: 9-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Lincoln Senior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
101 Knight Ave S
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-7432
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-7432
Gr: 9-12 | 521 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Franklin Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
300 Spruce Ave S
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Gr: 6-8 | 454 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
Summer Nw Area Learning Center
Alternative School
230 Labree Ave So
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8711
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8711
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Thief River Falls, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Thief River Falls, MN include Challenger Elementary School, Northwest Area Learning Center and Lincoln Senior High School.
How many public schools are located in Thief River Falls?
5 public schools are located in Thief River Falls.
What percentage of students in Thief River Falls go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Thief River Falls are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Thief River Falls?
Thief River Falls public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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