For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 988 students in Brainerd, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Brainerd, MN are Garfield Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Brainerd, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in Brainerd have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Brainerd, MN (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
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: #1 - 21. - 2.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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%
Brainerd, Minnesota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: K-8
Central Minnesota Learning Center (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1777 Highway 18 E
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2766
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-2766
Gr: 4-12
1001 Kingwood
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 855-6500
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 855-6500
Gr: 8-9 | 855 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
604 S 6th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Gr: K-4 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
400 Quince St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-5374
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
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
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
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Gr: K-12
804 Oak St.
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-6720
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-6720
Gr: 6-7 | 799 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
804 Oak Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5438
Gr: PK
604 N 7th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6700
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 preschools in Brainerd, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Brainerd, MN include Garfield Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Brainerd?
4 public preschools are located in Brainerd.
What is the racial composition of students in Brainerd?
Brainerd public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public preschools in Brainerd are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Brainerd include: Harrison Elementary School vs. Riverside Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School vs. Harrison Elementary School
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