Best Jackson County Public Schools

For the 2026-27 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 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Jackson County (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pleasantview Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
703 Mill Road E
Lakefield, MN 56150
(507) 662-6625
Gr: 4-5 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
820 Park St
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5963
Gr: PK-3 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Jackson County Central Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
703 Mill Road E
Lakefield, MN 56150
(507) 662-6625
Gr: 6-8 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Heron Lake-okabena Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
321 Stearns Ave
Heron Lake, MN 56137
(507) 793-2307
Gr: PK-6 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Jackson County Central Senior High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1128 N Hwy
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5310
Gr: 9-12 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Heron Lake-okabena Secondary
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
124 N Minnesota Ave
Okabena, MN 56161
(507) 853-4507
Gr: 7-12 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
Jackson Co Central Credit Recovery
Alternative School
1128 North Highway
Jackson, MN 56143
(507) 847-5310
Gr: 9-12
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Jackson County, MN

Jackson County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Southwest Alc (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
407 5th St.
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 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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