For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 1,983 students in Pine County, MN.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Pine County, MN are Finlayson Elementary School, East Central Elementary School and Vision. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pine County, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Pine County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Pine County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Finlayson Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2159 Hwy 18
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 233-7611
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 233-7611
Gr: PK-6 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
East Central Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
61085 State Highway 23
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6013
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6013
Gr: PK-6 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Vision
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1035 Main St. S.
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 358-1214
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 358-1214
Gr: K-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
Willow River Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8142 Pine St
Willow River, MN 55795
(218) 372-3131
Willow River, MN 55795
(218) 372-3131
Gr: PK-6 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Pine City Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
700 6th Ave Sw
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4212
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4212
Gr: PK-6 | 850 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #66.
Hinckley Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
111 Blair Ave S
Hinckley, MN 55037
(320) 384-6443
Hinckley, MN 55037
(320) 384-6443
Gr: PK-6 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Pine County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Pete Seeger Renaissance Charter School (Closed 2018)
Charter School
214 Eagle Drive
Sandstone, MN 55072
(218) 340-5800
Sandstone, MN 55072
(218) 340-5800
Pine City Secondary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1400 Main Street S
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4112
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4112
Gr: 10-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Pine County Transition Program (Closed 2021)
Special Education School
201 Main St E
Hinckley, MN 55037
(320) 358-1214
Hinckley, MN 55037
(320) 358-1214
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
63842 Ojibwe Rd
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 384-7598
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 384-7598
Gr: K-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Sandstone St. Croix High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
49634 St. Croix Camp Lane
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 245-5214
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 245-5214
Gr: 7-12 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Willow River Area Learning Program (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
8142 Pine St
Willow River, MN 55795
(218) 372-3131
Willow River, MN 55795
(218) 372-3131
Gr: 10-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Pine County, MN?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Pine County, MN include Finlayson Elementary School, East Central Elementary School and Vision.
How many public elementary schools are located in Pine County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Pine County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pine County?
Pine County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Pine County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Pine County include: East Central Elementary School vs. Hinckley Elementary School, Pine City Elementary School vs. Hinckley Elementary School, Hinckley Elementary School vs. Pine City Elementary School
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