For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 1,394 students in Jackson County, MN (there are 2 private schools, serving 137 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Jackson County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Jackson County, MN are Pleasantview Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School and Jackson County Central Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Jackson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pleasantview Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
703 Mill Road E
Lakefield, MN 56150
(507) 662-6625
Lakefield, MN 56150
(507) 662-6625
Gr: 4-5 | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
820 Park St
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5963
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5963
Gr: PK-3 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Jackson County Central Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
703 Mill Road E
Lakefield, MN 56150
(507) 662-6625
Lakefield, MN 56150
(507) 662-6625
Gr: 6-8 | 236 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Heron Lake-okabena Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
321 Stearns Ave
Heron Lake, MN 56137
(507) 793-2307
Heron Lake, MN 56137
(507) 793-2307
Gr: PK-6 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #55.
Jackson County Central Senior High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1128 N Hwy
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5310
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5310
Gr: 9-12 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Heron Lake-okabena Secondary
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
124 N Minnesota Ave
Okabena, MN 56161
(507) 853-4507
Okabena, MN 56161
(507) 853-4507
Gr: 7-12 | 158 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: n/an/a
Jackson Co Central Credit Recovery
Alternative School
1128 North Highway
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5310
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5310
Gr: 9-12
Jackson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Southwest Alc (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
407 5th St.
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-4597
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-4597
Gr: 6-12 | 37 students Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Jackson County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Jackson County, MN include Pleasantview Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School and Jackson County Central Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Jackson County?
7 public schools are located in Jackson County.
What percentage of students in Jackson County go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Jackson County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Rankings: Are They Accurate in 2026?
Are public school rankings accurate? Learn how rankings are calculated in 2026, what they miss, and how families can evaluate schools wisely.
How Are U.S. Public Schools Doing in 2026?
A 2026 update on how U.S. public schools are performing academically, financially, and socially in a post-pandemic era.
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendship Drama at School
Meta Description: Practical 2026 strategies for helping your child navigate friendship drama at school with confidence, empathy, and resilience.