Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 56401 Minnesota Public Elementary Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 1,462 students in 56401, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 56401, MN are Lowell Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School and Harrison Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 56401 have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in 56401, MN have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 56401, MN Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lowell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
704 3rd Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6550
Gr: K-4 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Garfield Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1120 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6450
Gr: PK-4 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Harrison Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1515 Oak St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6500
Gr: PK-4 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
220 3rd St Nw
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6800
Gr: PK-4 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Discovery Woods
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
604 N 7th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-8200
Gr: PK-6 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #66.
Middle Level Alternative Program
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Gr: 5-8 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Lincoln Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
400 Quince St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Gr: 3-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in 56401 Minnesota

56401, Minnesota Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Blc School Readiness Plus (Closed 2020)
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Gr: PK
Brainerd Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
311 10th Avenue Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Gr: K-8
Central Minnesota Learning Center (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1777 Highway 18 E
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2766
Gr: 4-12
Franklin Junior Middle School (Closed 2006)
1001 Kingwood
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 855-6500
Gr: 8-9 | 855 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Lincoln Elementary School (Closed 2009)
604 S 6th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Gr: K-4 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Mississippi Horizons Middle School (Closed 2006)
400 Quince St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-5374
Gr: 6-9 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Mlc-high School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1777 Highway 18 E
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2363
Gr: 5-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative (Closed 2015)
Special Education School
Washington Educational Service
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5500
Gr: 1-12
Port Educational Services (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
604 S 6th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Gr: K-12
Washington Middle School (Closed 2006)
804 Oak St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-6720
Gr: 6-7 | 799 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Washington School Readiness Plus (Closed 2020)
804 Oak Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Gr: PK
Whittier Elementary School (Closed 2009)
604 N 7th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6700
Gr: PK-4 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 56401, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 56401, MN include Lowell Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School and Harrison Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 56401?
7 public elementary schools are located in 56401.
What is the racial composition of students in 56401?
56401 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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