Best Itasca County Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public middle schools serving 2,157 students in Itasca County, MN.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Itasca County, MN are Robert J. Elkington Middle School, Itaskin Education Center and Greenway Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Itasca County, MN public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Minnesota public middle school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Itasca County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public middle school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in Itasca County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Robert J. Elkington Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1000 Ne 8th Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 327-5800
Gr: 6-8 | 764 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Itaskin Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1880 River Rd
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 322-4129
Gr: 4-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Greenway Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
308 Roosevelt St
Coleraine, MN 55722
(218) 245-1287
Gr: 5-8 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Nashwauk Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
400 2nd St
Nashwauk, MN 55769
(218) 885-1280
Gr: 7-12 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Deer River Secondary
(Math: 25% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
101 1st Ave Ne
Deer River, MN 56636
(218) 246-8241
Gr: 6-12 | 425 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #66.
Bigfork Secondary
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Huskie Blvd
Bigfork, MN 56628
(218) 743-3444
Gr: 7-12 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #77.
Northern Lights Community School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
305 Bridge St
Warba, MN 55793
(218) 492-4400
Gr: 6-12 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #88.
Grand Rapids Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
650 Sw 7th Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 327-5750
Gr: 8-12 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #99.
Middle Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1000 Ne 8th Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 327-5800
Gr: 5-8 | 54 students Minority enrollment: 20%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Itasca County, MN?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Itasca County, MN include Robert J. Elkington Middle School, Itaskin Education Center and Greenway Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Itasca County?
9 public middle schools are located in Itasca County.
What is the racial composition of students in Itasca County?
Itasca County public middle schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public middle schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Itasca County are often viewed compared to one another?

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