Top 10 Best Carlton County Public High Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 14 public high schools serving 2,785 students in Carlton County, MN.
The top ranked public high schools in Carlton County, MN are Lincoln Secondary, Cloquet Senior and Cromwell-wright Secondary. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carlton County, MN public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Minnesota public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Carlton County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Minnesota public high schools.
Carlton County, MN public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the Minnesota average of 83%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Lincoln Secondary, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Minnesota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public High Schools in Carlton County (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Lincoln Secondary
(Math: 60% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2 E Highway 61
Esko, MN 55733
(218) 879-4673
Grades: 7-12
| 624 students
Rank: #22.
Cloquet Senior
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1000 18th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-3393
Grades: 9-12
| 789 students
Rank: #33.
Cromwell-wright Secondary
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
5624 Highway 210
Cromwell, MN 55726
(218) 644-3716
Grades: 7-12
| 150 students
Rank: #44.
Barnum Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3675 County Rd 13
Barnum, MN 55707
(218) 389-3273
Grades: 7-12
| 338 students
Rank: #55.
Moose Lake Secondary
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4812 County Rd 10
Moose Lake, MN 55767
(218) 485-4435
Grades: 7-12
| 283 students
Rank: #66.
Wrenshall Secondary
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
207 Pioneer Dr
Wrenshall, MN 55797
(218) 384-4274
Grades: 7-12
| 173 students
Rank: #77.
Carlton Secondary
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
405 School Ave
Carlton, MN 55718
(218) 384-4226
Grades: 6-12
| 151 students
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Cloquet Area Alt. Ed. Programs
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
302 14th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-0115
Grades: 6-12
| 91 students
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Northern Lights Academy
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
302 14th Street
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 878-3060
Grades: K-12
| 12 students
Rank: n/an/a
Caaep Extended Day Program
Alternative School
302 14th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-0115
Grades: 9-12
| 1 students
Rank: n/an/a
49 University Road
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 878-7242
Grades: K-12
| 136 students
Rank: n/an/a
Mash-ka-wisen
Alternative School
1150 Mission Rd
Carlton, MN 55718
(218) 384-4225
Grades: 7-12
| 2 students
Rank: n/an/a
Mcf-moose Lake/willow River
Alternative School
1000 Lake Shore Dr
Moose Lake, MN 55767
(218) 485-5025
Grades: 9-12
| 4 students
Rank: n/an/a
Nla-carlton
Special Education School
405 School Ave
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 878-3060
Grades: 4-12
| 31 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Carlton County, MN

Carlton County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
Caaep Setting 4 (Closed 2018)
Special Education School
302 14th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-0115
Grades: 2-12
| 8 students
302 14th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-0115
Grades: 7-12
| 10 students
4812 County Rd 10
Moose Lake, MN 55767
(218) 485-4435
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Box 310
Moose Lake, MN 55767
(218) 485-8520
Grades: PK
| 13 students
1000 18th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-3393
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
Nla-carlton (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
405 School Ave
Carlton, MN 55718
(218) 384-4225
Grades: 9-12
| 1 students
302 14th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-0115
Grades: n/a
| n/a students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public high schools in Carlton County, MN?
The top ranked public high schools in Carlton County, MN include Lincoln Secondary, Cloquet Senior and Cromwell-wright Secondary.
How many public high schools are located in Carlton County?
14 public high schools are located in Carlton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carlton County?
Carlton County public high schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public high schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public high schools in Carlton County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
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
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.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We 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.