For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 889 students in Forest Lake, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Forest Lake, MN are Columbus Elementary School, Lila Kinder Center and Forest View Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Forest Lake, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in Forest Lake have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Forest Lake, MN (2026-27)
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 | 441 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Lila Kinder Center
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 75-79% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
121 Se 11th Ave
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-0771
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-0771
Gr: PK-K
Rank: #33.
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 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: n/an/a
Early Childhood Special Education
Special Education School
943 Sw 9th Avenue
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8129
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8129
Gr: PK | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
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 preschools in Forest Lake, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Forest Lake, MN include Columbus Elementary School, Lila Kinder Center and Forest View Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Forest Lake?
4 public preschools are located in Forest Lake.
What is the racial composition of students in Forest Lake?
Forest Lake public preschools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public preschools in Forest Lake are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Forest Lake include: Forest View Elementary School vs. Columbus Elementary School, Columbus Elementary School vs. Forest View Elementary School
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.