Best Swift County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,794 students in Swift County, MN.
The top-ranked public schools in Swift County, MN are Murdock Elementary School, Benson Area Learning Center and Heartland Girls Ranch. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swift County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Swift County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% 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 Swift County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Murdock Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
408 Hollis St N
Murdock, MN 56271
(320) 875-2441
Gr: PK-6 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Benson Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 7-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Heartland Girls Ranch
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 7-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1800 Nevada Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: PK-5 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Appleton-milan Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
349 S Edquist St
Appleton, MN 56208
(320) 289-1114
Gr: PK-4 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #66.
Benson Secondary
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 6-12 | 334 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #77.
Kerkhoven Secondary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
302 N 15th St
Kerkhoven, MN 56252
(320) 264-1412
Gr: 7-12 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: n/an/a
Kms Learning Center
Alternative School
302 N 15th St
Kerkhoven, MN 56252
(320) 264-1412
Gr: 7-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Swift County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Swift County, MN include Murdock Elementary School, Benson Area Learning Center and Heartland Girls Ranch.
How many public schools are located in Swift County?
8 public schools are located in Swift County.
What is the racial composition of students in Swift County?
Swift County public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.

Quick Links