For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 1,549 students in Brainerd, MN.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Brainerd, MN are Lowell Elementary School, Harrison Elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Brainerd have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Brainerd, MN (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: K-4
| 369 students
Rank: #22.
Harrison Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1515 Oak St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6500
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6500
Grades: K-4
| 224 students
Rank: #33.
Garfield Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1120 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6450
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6450
Grades: K-4
| 278 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: PK-4
| 461 students
Rank: #55.
Discovery Woods
Charter School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
604 N 7th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-8200
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-8200
Grades: K-6
| 104 students
Rank: #66.
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
Grades: 5-8
| 15 students
Rank: #77.
Lincoln Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
400 Quince St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Grades: 2-12
| 98 students
Brainerd, Minnesota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Brainerd Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
311 10th Avenue Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Grades: K-8
| n/a students
Central Minnesota Learning Center (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1777 Highway 18 E
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2766
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2766
Grades: 4-12
| n/a students
1001 Kingwood
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 855-6500
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 855-6500
Grades: 8-9
| 855 students
604 S 6th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Grades: K-4
| 242 students
400 Quince St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-5374
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-5374
Grades: 6-9
| 560 students
Mlc-high School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1777 Highway 18 E
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2363
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2363
Grades: 5-12
| 77 students
Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative (Closed 2015)
Special Education School
Washington Educational Service
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5500
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5500
Grades: 1-12
| n/a students
Port Educational Services (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
604 S 6th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
804 Oak St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-6720
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-6720
Grades: 6-7
| 799 students
804 Oak Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Grades: PK
| n/a students
604 N 7th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6700
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6700
Grades: PK-4
| 128 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Brainerd, MN?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Brainerd, MN include Lowell Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School and Garfield Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Brainerd?
7 public elementary schools are located in Brainerd.
What is the racial composition of students in Brainerd?
Brainerd public elementary schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Brainerd are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Brainerd include: Harrison Elementary School vs. Riverside Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School vs. Harrison Elementary School
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