Benton-Stearns Education School District

517 2nd St S
Sartell, MN 56377-1925
1/
10
Bottom 50%

Top Rankings

Benton-Stearns Education School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Minnesota for:

Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 59 students in Benton-Stearns Education School District. This district's average high testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public high schools in Minnesota.
Public High Schools in Benton-Stearns Education School District have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the Minnesota public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Overview

This School District
This State (MN)
# Schools
6 Schools
1,171 Schools
# Students
163 Students
310,629 Students
# Teachers
21 Teachers
18,821 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
8:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Benton-Stearns Education School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 520 school districts in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of PS% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School District
State Average (MN)
#486 out of 525 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(21-22)
≤20%
45%
≤20%
51%
<50%
41%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.39
0.57
% American Indian
1%
2%
% Asian
2%
7%
% Hispanic
8%
11%
% Black
4%
11%
% White
77%
63%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $55,969 is higher than the state median of $17,852. The school district revenue/student has declined by 10% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $60,773 is higher than the state median of $18,577. The school district spending/student has declined by 7% over four school years.
This School District
This State (MN)
Total Revenue
$9 MM
$15,547 MM
Spending
$10 MM
$16,179 MM
Revenue / Student
$55,969
$17,852
Spending / Student
$60,773
$18,577

Best Benton-Stearns Education School District Public High Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Benton-stearns Education District
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
324 3rd Avenue South
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-8427
Gr: 5-12 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: n/an/a
Benton Stearns Education District 1
Special Education School
324 3rd Ave South
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-8940
Gr: 12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: n/an/a
Benton-stearns Education - Asd
Special Education School
212 3rd Avenue North
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Gr: K-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
Grafton School
Alternative School
224 Krays Mill Road
Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 252-8427
Gr: K-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 17%

Recent Articles

Understanding School Safety Policies in 2026
Understanding School Safety Policies in 2026
Learn how school safety policies are evolving in 2026, including mental health support, AI monitoring, emergency planning, and parent rights.
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health at School
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health at School
Practical guidance for parents and educators on supporting child mental health during the school year, with expert strategies and 2026 insights.
What a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction Means in 2026
What a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction Means in 2026
Understand what a National Blue Ribbon of Distinction means, how schools earn it, and why it matters for academic quality in 2026.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 6 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 163 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 23%
  • : Bottom 50% in MN
  • : ≤20% (Btm 50%)
  • : ≤20% (Btm 50%)
  • : <50% (Top 20%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education

Quick Links