For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 937 students in Pennington County, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Pennington County, MN are Challenger Elementary School and Goodridge Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pennington County, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Pennington County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Pennington County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Challenger Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
601 County Rd 61
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Gr: PK-5 | 781 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Goodridge Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
201 Osmund Ave
Goodridge, MN 56725
(218) 378-4134
Goodridge, MN 56725
(218) 378-4134
Gr: PK-6 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Pennington County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Booster Club Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
601 County Road 61
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Gr: K-5
Franklin Prowler Academy Targ Servs (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
300 S. Spruce Avenue
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Gr: 6-8
Northwest Alc High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
230 Labree Ave. S.
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8711
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8711
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Pennington County, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Pennington County, MN include Challenger Elementary School and Goodridge Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Pennington County?
2 public preschools are located in Pennington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pennington County?
Pennington County public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Recent Articles
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.