Serving 408 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Northwinds Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 69% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 39% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 408 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwinds Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Northwinds Elementary School's student population of 408 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
408 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
The Place to Dream, Believe and Achieve
School Rankings
Northwinds Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwinds Elementary School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#130 out of 1773 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
3%
12%
Black
1%
12%
White
93%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwinds Elementary School's ranking?
Northwinds Elementary School is ranked #130 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Northwinds Elementary School often compared to?
Northwinds Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Discovery Elementary School, Maple Lake Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Northwinds Elementary School?
408 students attend Northwinds Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Northwinds Elementary School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwinds Elementary School?
Northwinds Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Northwinds Elementary School offer ?
Northwinds Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwinds Elementary School part of?
Northwinds Elementary School is part of Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools.
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