For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,665 students in Aitkin County, MN (there are 1 private school, serving 130 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Aitkin County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Aitkin County, MN are Aitkin Secondary School, Rippleside Elementary School and Mcgregor Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Aitkin County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Aitkin County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Aitkin County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Aitkin Secondary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
306 2nd St Nw
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-2115
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-2115
Gr: 7-12 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Rippleside Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
225 2nd Ave Sw
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-4838
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-4838
Gr: PK-6 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Mcgregor Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
148 S 2nd St
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5131
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5131
Gr: PK-6 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Hill City Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
500 Ione Ave
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Gr: PK-4 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Hill City Senior High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
500 Ione Ave
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Gr: 9-12 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Mcgregor Secondary
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
148 S 2nd St
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-2111
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-2111
Gr: 7-12 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #77.
Hill City Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
500 Ione Ave
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Gr: 5-8 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Aitkin Alternative Learning Program
Alternative School
12 7th St Nw
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-2115
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-2115
Gr: 8-12 | 4 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Rank: n/an/a
Mcgregor Area Learning Program
Alternative School
25 S 2nd St
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5135
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5135
Gr: 8-12 | 1 student
Aitkin County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
20930 367th Ln
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5320
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5320
Gr: K-12 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
401 South 5th Ave
Palisade, MN 56469
(218) 845-2406
Palisade, MN 56469
(218) 845-2406
Gr: K-4 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Aitkin County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Aitkin County, MN include Aitkin Secondary School, Rippleside Elementary School and Mcgregor Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Aitkin County?
9 public schools are located in Aitkin County.
What percentage of students in Aitkin County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Aitkin County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Aitkin County?
Aitkin County public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How to Read a School Improvement Plan Before Choosing a School
Learn how to read a school improvement plan, identify meaningful goals, and evaluate whether a school's improvement efforts align with your child's educational needs.
Should You Move for a Better Public School? A Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Considering a move to a better public school? Explore the financial, academic, and lifestyle tradeoffs before making one of your family's biggest decisions.
When a Higher-Rated School Isn't the Better Fit
Discover why the highest-rated public school may not always be the best choice and learn how to evaluate schools based on your child's unique needs.