For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,052 students in Cass County, MN.
The top ranked public preschools in Cass County, MN are Pillager Elementary School, Pine River-backus Elementary School and W.h.a. Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cass County, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Cass County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools 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.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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%
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 preschools in Cass County, MN?
The top ranked public preschools in Cass County, MN include Pillager Elementary School, Pine River-backus Elementary School and W.h.a. Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Cass County?
5 public preschools are located in Cass County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cass County?
Cass County public preschools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
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