For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 474 students in Cook County, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Cook County, MN are Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School, Birch Grove Community School and Oshki Ogimaag Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cook County, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Cook County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Cook County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: PK-5 | 192 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Birch Grove Community School
Charter School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9 Goodneighbor Hill Rd
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-0170
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-0170
Gr: K-5 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Oshki Ogimaag Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
73 Upper Rd
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2112
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2112
Gr: K-6 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Cook County Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 6-8 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Great Expectations
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
550 E 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-9322
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-9322
Gr: K-8 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
Grand Marais Community
Special Education School
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 6-12
Cook County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Box 2242
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-7636
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-7636
Gr: K-4 | 23 students
73 Upper Road
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2345
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2345
Gr: K-3 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Cook County, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Cook County, MN include Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School, Birch Grove Community School and Oshki Ogimaag Charter School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Cook County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Cook County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cook County?
Cook County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.