For the 2025 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 2,411 students in Richland County, ND (there are 1 private school, serving 147 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Richland County, ND are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%). Richland County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in North Dakota.
The top ranked public schools in Richland County, ND are Hankinson Elementary School, Wahpeton Middle School and Richland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Richland County, ND public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the North Dakota public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Richland County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public school average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Richland County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Hankinson Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
415 1st Ave Se
Hankinson, ND 58041
(701) 242-7516
Hankinson, ND 58041
(701) 242-7516
Grades: PK-6
| 132 students
Rank: #22.
Wahpeton Middle School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1265 12th St N
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-6687
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-6687
Grades: 6-8
| 275 students
Rank: #33.
Richland Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
106 Broadway
Abercrombie, ND 58001
(701) 553-8321
Abercrombie, ND 58001
(701) 553-8321
Grades: PK-6
| 179 students
Rank: #44.
Richland Junior-senior High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
101 Main Ave
Colfax, ND 58018
(701) 372-3713
Colfax, ND 58018
(701) 372-3713
Grades: 7-12
| 127 students
Rank: #55.
Wyndmere Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
101 Date Ave
Wyndmere, ND 58081
(701) 439-2287
Wyndmere, ND 58081
(701) 439-2287
Grades: PK-6
| 147 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Hankinson High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
415 1st Ave Se
Hankinson, ND 58041
(701) 242-7516
Hankinson, ND 58041
(701) 242-7516
Grades: 7-12
| 111 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Lidgerwood High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
28 3rd Ave Se
Lidgerwood, ND 58053
(701) 538-7341
Lidgerwood, ND 58053
(701) 538-7341
Grades: 7-12
| 81 students
Rank: #88.
Wyndmere High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
101 Date Ave
Wyndmere, ND 58081
(701) 439-2287
Wyndmere, ND 58081
(701) 439-2287
Grades: 7-12
| 116 students
Rank: #99.
Fairmount Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
400 E Main Ave
Fairmount, ND 58030
(701) 474-5469
Fairmount, ND 58030
(701) 474-5469
Grades: PK-6
| 57 students
Rank: #1010.
Wahpeton Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1235 12th St N
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-8328
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-8328
Grades: 1-5
| 457 students
Rank: #1111.
Lidgerwood Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
28 3rd Ave Se
Lidgerwood, ND 58053
(701) 538-7341
Lidgerwood, ND 58053
(701) 538-7341
Grades: PK-6
| 99 students
Rank: #1212.
Fairmount High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
400 E Main Ave
Fairmount, ND 58030
(701) 474-5469
Fairmount, ND 58030
(701) 474-5469
Grades: 7-12
| 39 students
Rank: #1313.
Wahpeton High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1021 11th St N
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-2604
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-2604
Grades: 9-12
| 371 students
Rank: n/an/a
832 8th Street North
Wahpeton, ND 58075
(701) 642-3796
Wahpeton, ND 58075
(701) 642-3796
Grades: 4-8
| 117 students
Rank: n/an/a
508 9 St N
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-3050
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-3050
Grades: PK-K
| 103 students
Richland County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Po Box 2
Mantador, ND 58058
(701) 242-8266
Mantador, ND 58058
(701) 242-8266
Grades: K-6
| 11 students
Richland County Area Vocational Technical Center (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
2101 9th St N
Wahpeton, ND 58075
(701) 642-8701
Wahpeton, ND 58075
(701) 642-8701
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
South Valley Spec Ed Unit (Closed 2020)
Special Education School
102 6th St Se
Hankinson, ND 58041
(701) 242-7031
Hankinson, ND 58041
(701) 242-7031
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Southeast Region Career & Technical Center (Closed 2020)
Vocational School
2101 9th St N
Wahpeton, ND 58075
(701) 642-8701
Wahpeton, ND 58075
(701) 642-8701
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Wahpeton Spec Ed Unit (Closed 2020)
Special Education School
508 9th St N
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-5499
Wahpeton, ND 58074
(701) 642-5499
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Richland County, ND?
The top ranked public schools in Richland County, ND include Hankinson Elementary School, Wahpeton Middle School and Richland Elementary School. Richland County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in North Dakota.
How many public schools are located in Richland County?
15 public schools are located in Richland County.
What percentage of students in Richland County go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Richland County are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Richland County?
Richland County public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public schools average of 29% (majority American Indian 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.
