Best Forest Lake Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,614 students in Forest Lake, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Forest Lake, MN are Columbus Elementary School, North Lakes Academy Elementary School and Lila Upper School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Forest Lake, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Forest Lake have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Forest Lake, MN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Columbus Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
17345 Notre Dame St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8900
Gr: PK-6 | 441 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
North Lakes Academy Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4576 232nd St N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-2773
Gr: K-6 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Lila Upper School
Charter School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
19850 Fenway Avenue N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-8989
Gr: 6-12 | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Forest Lake Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
408 Sw 4th St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-3200
Gr: 4-6 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #55.
Lila Lower School
Charter School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
246 Se 11th Ave
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-0771
Gr: 1-5 | 607 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #66.
Forest View Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
620 Sw 4th St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8200
Gr: PK-3 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
Forest Lake Area Community School
Alternative School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
943 Sw 9th Avenue
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-3171
Gr: 6-12 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: n/an/a
Online Learning Program
Charter School
19850 Fenway Ave N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-8989
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Out-of-state Care And Treatment
Alternative School
6100 210th St N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8129
Gr: K-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Forest Lake, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Forest Lake, MN include Columbus Elementary School, North Lakes Academy Elementary School and Lila Upper School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Forest Lake?
9 public elementary schools are located in Forest Lake.
What is the racial composition of students in Forest Lake?
Forest Lake public elementary schools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Forest Lake are often viewed compared to one another?

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