For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 272 students in Brainerd, MN.
The top ranked public middle schools in Brainerd, MN are Middle Level Alternative Program, Lincoln Education Center and Isd 181 Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Brainerd, MN public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Minnesota public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 23% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Brainerd have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public middle school average of 38% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Brainerd, MN (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Middle Level Alternative Program
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Grades: 5-8
| 15 students
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
400 Quince St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Grades: 2-12
| 98 students
Rank: #33.
Isd 181 Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Grades: 8-12
| 159 students
Brainerd, Minnesota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Brainerd Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
311 10th Avenue Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Grades: K-8
| n/a students
Central Minnesota Learning Center (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1777 Highway 18 E
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2766
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2766
Grades: 4-12
| n/a students
1001 Kingwood
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 855-6500
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 855-6500
Grades: 8-9
| 855 students
604 S 6th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Grades: K-4
| 242 students
400 Quince St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-5374
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-5374
Grades: 6-9
| 560 students
Mlc-high School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1777 Highway 18 E
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2363
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2363
Grades: 5-12
| 77 students
Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative (Closed 2015)
Special Education School
Washington Educational Service
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5500
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5500
Grades: 1-12
| n/a students
Port Educational Services (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
604 S 6th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
804 Oak St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-6720
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-6720
Grades: 6-7
| 799 students
804 Oak Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Grades: PK
| n/a students
604 N 7th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6700
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6700
Grades: PK-4
| 128 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Brainerd, MN?
The top ranked public middle schools in Brainerd, MN include Middle Level Alternative Program, Lincoln Education Center and Isd 181 Learning Center.
How many public middle schools are located in Brainerd?
3 public middle schools are located in Brainerd.
What is the racial composition of students in Brainerd?
Brainerd public middle schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public middle schools average of 38% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.

10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.

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.