For the 2025 school year, there are 17 public schools serving 6,401 students in Benton County, MN (there are 3 private schools, serving 337 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Benton County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Benton County, MN are Foley Elementary School, Rice Elementary School and Foley Intermediate Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Benton County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Benton County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Foley Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
743 Penn St
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7286
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7286
Grades: PK-3
| 579 students
Rank: #22.
Rice Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
200 Ne 3rd Ave
Rice, MN 56367
(320) 393-2177
Rice, MN 56367
(320) 393-2177
Grades: PK-5
| 361 students
Rank: #33.
Foley Intermediate Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
840 Norman Ave N
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-6251
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-6251
Grades: 4-8
| 743 students
Rank: #44.
Mississippi Heights Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1003 S 4th St
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-0122
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-0122
Grades: K-5
| 817 students
Rank: #55.
Pleasantview Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1009 N 6th Ave
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-0506
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-0506
Grades: PK-5
| 722 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Benton-stearns Education District
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
324 3rd Avenue South
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-8427
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-8427
Grades: 5-12
| 19 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Benton-stearns Education Pioneers
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
212 3rd Avenue North
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Grades: K-6
| 11 students
Rank: #88.
Sauk Rapids-rice Senior High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1835 Osauka Rd Ne
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4700
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4700
Grades: 9-12
| 1,317 students
Rank: #99.
Sauk Rapids-rice Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
901 1st St S
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 654-9073
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 654-9073
Grades: 6-8
| 1,067 students
Rank: #1010.
Foley Senior High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
621 Penn St
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7246
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7246
Grades: 9-12
| 603 students
Rank: n/an/a
Alc - Foley
Alternative School
840 Norman Ave N
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 746-2196
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 746-2196
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Alc - Sauk Rapids
Alternative School
1833 Osauka Rd Ne
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Grades: 7-12
| 66 students
Rank: n/an/a
Benton Stearns Education District 1
Special Education School
324 3rd Ave South
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-8940
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-8940
Grades: 12
| 16 students
Rank: n/an/a
Benton-stearns Education - Asd
Special Education School
212 3rd Avenue North
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Grades: K-12
| 12 students
Rank: n/an/a
Hillside Early Childhood Center
Special Education School
30 Fourth Ave S
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 255-8910
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 255-8910
Grades: PK
| 68 students
Rank: n/an/a
Sauk Rapids Ecfe
Alternative School
30 4th Ave S
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1101
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1101
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
1833 Osauka Road Ne
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1822
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1822
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Benton County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Central Mn Area Learn Cntr - Foley (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
840 Norman Ave N
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 746-2196
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 746-2196
Grades: K-12
| 4 students
Central Mn T.s. Sauk Rapids (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1833 Osauka Road Ne
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Central Mn Targeted Svcs. Foley (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
Box 297
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7175
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7175
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Central Mn. Alc - Sauk Rapids (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1833 Osauka Rd Ne
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Grades: 1-12
| 4 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Benton County, MN?
The top ranked public schools in Benton County, MN include Foley Elementary School, Rice Elementary School and Foley Intermediate Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Benton County?
17 public schools are located in Benton County.
What percentage of students in Benton County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Benton County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Benton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Benton County include: Mississippi Heights Elementary School vs. Pleasantview Elementary School, Pleasantview Elementary School vs. Mississippi Heights Elementary School, Foley Intermediate Elementary School vs. Sauk Rapids-rice Middle School
Recent Articles
Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.
How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
