For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 2,915 students in Cass County, MN.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Cass County, MN are Pillager Elementary School, Pillager Middle School and Pine River-backus Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cass County, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Cass County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Cass County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pillager Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
323 E 2nd St S
Pillager, MN 56473
(218) 746-2110
Pillager, MN 56473
(218) 746-2110
Gr: PK-4 | 522 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Pillager Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
323 E 2nd St S
Pillager, MN 56473
(218) 746-3772
Pillager, MN 56473
(218) 746-3772
Gr: 5-8 | 405 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Pine River-backus Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 Murray Ave
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-4447
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-4447
Gr: PK-6 | 477 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
W.h.a. Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
301 4th St
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-4261
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-4261
Gr: PK-6 | 388 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #55.
Cass Lake-bena Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
15 4th St Nw
Cass Lake, MN 56633
(218) 335-2201
Cass Lake, MN 56633
(218) 335-2201
Gr: PK-4 | 458 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #66.
Cass Lake-bena Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
15314 State 371 Nw
Cass Lake, MN 56633
(218) 335-2203
Cass Lake, MN 56633
(218) 335-2203
Gr: 5-8 | 303 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
Northland Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
316 Main St E
Remer, MN 56672
(218) 566-2351
Remer, MN 56672
(218) 566-2351
Gr: PK-6 | 207 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
15353 Silver Eagle Dr. Nw
Bena, MN 56626
(218) 665-3000
Bena, MN 56626
(218) 665-3000
Gr: K-12 | 139 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 46:1
Rank: n/an/a
Prb Pequot Lakes Midlevel Alc
Alternative School
30805 Olson St
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 568-9358
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 568-9358
Gr: 6-8
Rank: n/an/a
Up North Learning Center
Special Education School
5413 County Road 37 Nw
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-6525
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-6525
Gr: K-12 | 16 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Cass County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Box 47
Backus, MN 56435
(218) 947-3421
Backus, MN 56435
(218) 947-3421
Gr: PK-4 | 95 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
1553 Silver Eagle Drive Nw
Bena, MN 56626
(218) 335-3000
Bena, MN 56626
(218) 335-3000
Gr: PK-12
Cass Lake-bena Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
208 Central Avenue Nw
Cass Lake, MN 56633
(218) 335-6529
Cass Lake, MN 56633
(218) 335-6529
Gr: K-4
Little Falls Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
M
Nofoundcity, MN 88888
Nofoundcity, MN 88888
Pine River Backus Targeted Svcs. Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
980 First Street N
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-3131
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-3131
Gr: K-8
Pine River-backus New Beginnings Elementary School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
990 First St North
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-3131
Pine River, MN 56474
(218) 587-3131
Gr: 9-11 | 13 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Turning Point Day Treatment (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
Box 4000
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-1311
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-1311
Gr: 6-11 | 9 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
W H A Alternative Program High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
Box 4000
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-4377
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-4377
Gr: 9-12 | 18 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
W. H. A. Midlevel Alternative Prg. Middle School (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
Box 4000
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-4377
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-4377
Gr: 7-8 | 15 students Minority enrollment: 60%
301 4th Street
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-5322
Walker, MN 56484
(218) 547-5322
Gr: 6-8 | 195 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Cass County, MN?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Cass County, MN include Pillager Elementary School, Pillager Middle School and Pine River-backus Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Cass County?
10 public elementary schools are located in Cass County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cass County?
Cass County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
