For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,107 students in Waite Park, MN (there are 1 private school, serving 17 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Waite Park, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Waite Park, MN are Discovery Community Elementary School and St. Cloud Area Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waite Park, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Waite Park have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Waite Park, MN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Discovery Community Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
700 7th St S
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-6180
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-6180
Gr: PK-5 | 572 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #22.
St. Cloud Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
216 N 8th Ave
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-6790
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-6790
Gr: 6-12 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
1201 2nd St S
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8656
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8656
Gr: 6-12 | 53 students Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: n/an/a
Ec Sp Educational At Quarryview Educational Center
Special Education School
800 7th St S
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8261
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8261
Gr: PK | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: n/an/a
Special Education Facilities
Special Education School
1201 2nd St S
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8000
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8000
Gr: PK-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Waite Park, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Waite Park, MN include Discovery Community Elementary School and St. Cloud Area Learning Center.
How many public schools are located in Waite Park?
5 public schools are located in Waite Park.
What percentage of students in Waite Park go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Waite Park are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Waite Park?
Waite Park public schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more 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.