For the 2025 school year, there are 65 public schools serving 23,645 students in Stearns County, MN (there are 25 private schools, serving 3,559 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Stearns County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Stearns County, MN are Richmond Elementary School, Holdingford Elementary School and Oak Ridge Early Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Stearns County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Stearns County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Stearns County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Richmond Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
34 2nd St Ne
Richmond, MN 56368
(320) 597-2016
Richmond, MN 56368
(320) 597-2016
Grades: K-5
| 128 students
Rank: #22.
Holdingford Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
900 5th St
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-4462
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-4462
Grades: PK-6
| 564 students
Rank: #33.
Oak Ridge Early Learning Center
(Math: 81% | Reading: 71% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1111 27th St N
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 258-3693
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 258-3693
Grades: PK-K
| 306 students
Rank: #44.
Riverview Intermediate School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
627 Third Avenue North
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 253-2200
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 253-2200
Grades: 3-5
| 915 students
Rank: #55.
Pine Meadow Primary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 69% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1029 5th St N
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 253-8303
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 253-8303
Grades: 1-2
| 534 students
Rank: #66.
Avon Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
410 Avon Ave N
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-5300
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-5300
Grades: PK-5
| 291 students
Rank: #77.
Sartell Middle School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
748 7th Street North
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-3710
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-3710
Grades: 6-8
| 976 students
Rank: #88.
Albany Area High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
30 Forest Ave
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-5043
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-5043
Grades: 9-12
| 560 students
Rank: #99.
Albany Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10 Forest Ave
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-2161
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-2161
Grades: PK-5
| 478 students
Rank: #1010.
Sartell Senior High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3101 Pine Cone Rd
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-0748
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-0748
Grades: 9-12
| 1,315 students
Rank: #1111.
Kimball Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
405 Hazel Ave E
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-5425
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-5425
Grades: PK-5
| 323 students
Rank: #1212.
Rocori Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
534 N 5th Ave
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-8683
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-8683
Grades: 6-8
| 541 students
Rank: #1313.
Cold Spring Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
601 Red River Ave N
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-7534
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-7534
Grades: PK-6
| 670 students
Rank: #1414.
Westwood Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5800 Ridgewood Rd
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-7630
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-7630
Grades: K-5
| 452 students
Rank: #1515.
Albany Area Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
30 Forest Ave
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-2171
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-2171
Grades: 6-8
| 470 students
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Beacon Program W Central Ed. Dist.
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-6026
Grades: PK-12
| 11 students
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Melrose Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
566 5th Ave Ne
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Grades: PK-5
| 476 students
Rank: #1818.
Roosevelt Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3015 3rd St N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-6890
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-6890
Grades: K-12
| 11 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Belgrade-brooten-elrosa Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
245 School Avenue
Brooten, MN 56316
(320) 254-8211
Brooten, MN 56316
(320) 254-8211
Grades: PK-5
| 313 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Melrose Secondary
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
546 5th Ave Ne
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Grades: 9-12
| 504 students
Rank: #2121.
Rockville Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
415 W Broadway
Rockville, MN 56369
(320) 251-8651
Rockville, MN 56369
(320) 251-8651
Grades: K-5
| 130 students
Rank: #2222.
Kennedy Community School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1300 Jade Rd
Saint Joseph, MN 56374
(320) 370-7430
Saint Joseph, MN 56374
(320) 370-7430
Grades: PK-8
| 608 students
Rank: #2323.
Kimball Secondary
(Math: 35% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 W State Highway 55
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-7700
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-7700
Grades: 6-12
| 425 students
Rank: #2424.
Paynesville Area Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
205 W Mill St
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3725
Grades: PK-5
| 436 students
Rank: #2525.
Holdingford Secondary
(Math: 40% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
900 5th St
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-2221
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-2221
Grades: 7-12
| 513 students
Rank: #2626.
Melrose Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
546 5th Ave Ne
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-5160
Grades: 6-8
| 286 students
Rank: #2727.
Sauk Centre Secondary
(Math: 46% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
903 State Rd
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-2258
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-2258
Grades: 7-12
| 620 students
Rank: #2828.
West Central Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
9 2nd St Sw
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Melrose, MN 56352
(320) 256-7836
Grades: 6-12
| 29 students
Rank: #2929.
Oak Hill Community Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2600 County Road 136
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 370-6000
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 370-6000
Grades: PK-5
| 752 students
Rank: #3030.
Sauk Centre Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
901 State Rd
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6521
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6521
Grades: PK-4
| 378 students
Rank: #3131.
Rocori Senior High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
534 5th Ave N
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-8683
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-8683
Grades: 9-12
| 861 students
Rank: #3232.
Belgrade-brooten-elrosa Secondary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
710 Washburn Ave
Belgrade, MN 56312
(320) 254-8211
Belgrade, MN 56312
(320) 254-8211
Grades: 6-12
| 317 students
Rank: #3333.
Apollo Senior High School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1000 44th Ave N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-6790
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-6790
Grades: 9-12
| 1,230 students
Rank: #3434.
Sauk Centre Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
903 State Road
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-2258
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-2258
Grades: 5-6
| 132 students
Rank: #3535.
Technical Senior High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4200 33rd St S
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 370-8350
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 370-8350
Grades: 9-12
| 1,538 students
Show 30 more public schools in Stearns County, MN (out of 65 total schools)
Loading...
Stearns County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Abe Program (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
245 37th Ave. N.
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 529-6500
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 529-6500
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Albany Area Schools Early Childhood (Closed 2018)
Special Education School
212 1st St Sw
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-2171
Albany, MN 56307
(320) 845-2171
Grades: PK
| 25 students
Albany Middle Level Alc Programs (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
933 State Rd.
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6120
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6120
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Beacon Program Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
903 State Road S
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6120
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6120
Grades: 3-8
| n/a students
Central Minnesota Jt. Powers Dist. (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
809 12th St N
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8007
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8007
Grades: 1-12
| n/a students
1201 2nd St S
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8025
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 370-8025
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Central Mn Alc - Cold Spring High School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
534 5th Ave North
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-4901
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-4901
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Central Mn Alc Holdingford High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
900 5th St
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-2196
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-2196
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
Central Mn Alc Kimball High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
100 Hwy 55 W
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-5585
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-5585
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
Central Mn Alc Sartell Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
212 3rd Ave N
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-0748
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-0748
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Central Mn T.s. Cold Spring (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
534 5th Avenue N
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-4901
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-4901
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Central Mn T.s. Holdingford (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
Box 250
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-2196
Holdingford, MN 56340
(320) 746-2196
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Central Mn T.s. Street Cloud (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
809 12th Street N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 251-4963
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 251-4963
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Central Mn Targeted Svcs. Kimball (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
Box 368
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-5585
Kimball, MN 55353
(320) 398-5585
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Central Mn Targeted Svcs. Sartell (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
212 3rd Avenue N
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-0748
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 656-0748
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Correctional Facility-sauk Centre (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
Box C
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-1100
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-1100
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
132 West Division St
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 258-3117
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 258-3117
Grades: 9-12
| 37 students
216 8th Ave. N.
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 251-4481
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 251-4481
Grades: K-4
| 289 students
O.k House High School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1905 Minnesota Blvd
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-8811
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-8811
Grades: 7-12
| 4 students
795 W Hwy 23
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Paynesville, MN 56362
(320) 243-3761
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
Riverwoods School - Residential (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
1726 7th Ave S
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 650-1548
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 650-1548
Grades: K-12
| 30 students
Riverwoods School Non-residential (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1726 7th Ave S
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 650-1548
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 650-1548
Grades: K-12
| 26 students
3015 3rd St. N.
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 252-2351
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 252-2351
Grades: K-4
| 306 students
St. Cloud Alc High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
809 12th Street N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 251-4963
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 251-4963
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
St. Cloud Extended Day Program (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
809 12th St N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-6795
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 370-6795
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
St. Cloud Group Home (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1101 Washington Memorial Dr
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 650-1548
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 650-1548
Grades: 7-12
| 4 students
St. Cloud Social Justice Academy (Closed 2023)
Charter School
2719 W Division St, Ste 111
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 980-7180
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 980-7180
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Sartell Ec Service Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
212 3rd Ave N
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 251-1284
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 251-1284
Grades: PK-K
| n/a students
933 State Rd
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-2285
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-2285
Grades: 7-9
| 267 students
Star Program (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
9 2nd Street Southwest
Melrose, MN 56352
(620) 256-7836
Melrose, MN 56352
(620) 256-7836
Grades: PK-1
| n/a students
Stride Academy Charter School (Closed 2016)
Charter School
1025 18th St N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 230-5340
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 230-5340
Grades: K-5
| 295 students
Targeted Services-stride Academy (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1025 18th Street North
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 230-5340
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 230-5340
Grades: 1-8
| n/a students
West Central Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
903 State Road S
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6120
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
(320) 352-6120
Grades: K-8
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Stearns County, MN?
The top ranked public schools in Stearns County, MN include Richmond Elementary School, Holdingford Elementary School and Oak Ridge Early Learning Center.
How many public schools are located in Stearns County?
65 public schools are located in Stearns County.
What percentage of students in Stearns County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Stearns County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Stearns County?
Stearns County public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Stearns County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Stearns County include: Apollo Senior High School vs. Technical Senior High School, Technical Senior High School vs. Apollo Senior High School, Oak Ridge Early Learning Center vs. Pine Meadow Primary 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.
