For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public charter schools serving 725 students in Rice County, MN.
The top ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN are Prairie Creek Community School, Arcadia Charter School and Nerstrand Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rice County, MN public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Minnesota public charter school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 42% statewide average). Charter schools in Rice County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public charter school average of 65% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Rice County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Prairie Creek Community School
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
27695 Denmark Ave
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-9640
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-9640
Grades: K-5
| 179 students
Rank: #22.
Arcadia Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1719 Cannon Rd
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8806
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8806
Grades: 6-12
| 100 students
Rank: #33.
Nerstrand Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
205 S 2nd St
Nerstrand, MN 55053
(507) 333-6850
Nerstrand, MN 55053
(507) 333-6850
Grades: K-5
| 98 students
Rank: #44.
Cannon River Stem School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1800 14th St Ne
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-7836
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-7836
Grades: K-8
| 234 students
Rank: #55.
Discovery Public School - Faribault
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
126 8th Street Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-5423
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-5423
Grades: 6-12
| 48 students
Rank: n/an/a
Surad Academy
Charter School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 805-2335
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 805-2335
Grades: K-5
| 66 students
Rice County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Alexander Learning Academy (Closed 2024)
Special Education School
200 Western Ave Nw Suite A
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 209-2030
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 209-2030
Grades: K-12
| 31 students
Area Lrng. Cntr. Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
201 Orchard Street S
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-1200
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-1200
Grades: K-8
| n/a students
Cannon River Education Center S.u.n (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Grades: K-12
| 14 students
Cannon River Sec Transition Ed Prog High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Grades: 12
| 15 students
Early Childhood Family Education Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
930 Nw 4th Ave
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6800
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6800
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Early Childhood Special Education (Closed 2024)
Special Education School
710 17th St Sw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6460
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6460
Grades: PK
| 93 students
Elementary Summer Targeted Services (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
2855 1st Avenue Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 533-6187
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 533-6187
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
Elementary Targeted Services (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
2855 Nw 1st Avenue
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6187
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6187
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
710 17th St Sw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6000
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6000
Grades: K-5
| 26 students
Faribault Targeted Services Middle School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
704 17th Street Sw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6187
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6187
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
Focus (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Grades: 4-12
| 9 students
1000 Idaho St Sw
Lonsdale, MN 55046
(507) 744-4001
Lonsdale, MN 55046
(507) 744-4001
Grades: PK-5
| 247 students
Reflections (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Grades: K-12
| 12 students
1100 Bollenbacher Court
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8990
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8990
Grades: K-12
| 41 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN?
The top ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN include Prairie Creek Community School, Arcadia Charter School and Nerstrand Charter School.
How many public charter schools are located in Rice County?
6 public charter schools are located in Rice County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rice County?
Rice County public charter schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public charter schools average of 65% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Rice County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in Rice County include: Nerstrand Charter School vs. Prairie Creek Community School, Prairie Creek Community School vs. Nerstrand Charter School
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.