For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,855 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 44% (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 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Forest Lake, MN (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Columbus Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
17345 Notre Dame St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8900
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8900
Gr: PK-6 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
North Lakes Academy Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4576 232nd St N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 797-6266
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 797-6266
Gr: K-5 | 266 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Lila Upper School
Charter School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
19850 Fenway Avenue N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-8989
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-8989
Gr: 6-12 | 572 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Forest Lake Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
408 Sw 4th St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-3200
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-3200
Gr: 4-6 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #55.
Lila Lower School
Charter School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
246 Se 11th Ave
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-0771
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-0771
Gr: 1-5 | 597 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Forest View Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
620 Sw 4th St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8200
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8200
Gr: PK-3 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #77.
North Lakes Academy Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4576 232nd St N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-2688
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-2688
Gr: 6-8 | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #88.
Forest Lake Area Community School
Alternative School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
943 Sw 9th Avenue
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-3171
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-3171
Gr: 6-12 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
Online Learning Program
Charter School
19850 Fenway Ave N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-8989
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-8989
Gr: 6-12
Forest Lake, Minnesota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
200 Sw 4th St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-3171
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-3171
Gr: PK-6 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Fairview Recovery Services High School (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
246 11th Avenue Se
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-2078
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-2078
Gr: 9-12 | 13 students
Forest Lake Targeted Services (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
200 Sw Ave Se
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8270
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8270
Lakes Ed. Center (Closed 2010)
Special Education School
121 11th Ave S.e.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8356
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8356
Gr: 10-11 | 4 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1
943 Sw 9th Ave
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8700
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8700
Gr: 7-9 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
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 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Forest Lake are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Forest Lake include: Forest View Elementary School vs. Columbus Elementary School, Columbus Elementary School vs. Forest View Elementary School, Forest Lake Elementary School vs. Forest View Elementary School
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.