For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,433 students in Brainerd, MN (there are 3 private schools, serving 290 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Brainerd, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Brainerd, MN are Lowell Elementary School, Brainerd Senior High School and Garfield Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Brainerd, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Brainerd have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Brainerd, MN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lowell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
704 3rd Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6550
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6550
Gr: K-4 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Brainerd Senior High School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
702 S 5th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6200
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6200
Gr: 9-12 | 1,805 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Garfield Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1120 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6450
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6450
Gr: PK-4 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Harrison Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1515 Oak St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6500
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6500
Gr: PK-4 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
220 3rd St Nw
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6800
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6800
Gr: PK-4 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Discovery Woods
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
604 N 7th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-8200
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-8200
Gr: PK-6 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #77.
Middle Level Alternative Program
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Gr: 5-8 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #88.
Lincoln Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
400 Quince St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Gr: 3-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #99.
Isd 181 Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Gr: 8-12 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Brainerd, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Brainerd, MN include Lowell Elementary School, Brainerd Senior High School and Garfield Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Brainerd?
10 public schools are located in Brainerd.
What percentage of students in Brainerd go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Brainerd are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Brainerd?
Brainerd public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Brainerd are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Brainerd include: Harrison Elementary School vs. Riverside Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School vs. Harrison Elementary School
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