Best Swift County Public Schools

For the 2026-27 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 (2026-27)

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
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Swift County, MN

Swift County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: K-12 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
1400 Montana Ave.
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 7-12 | 513 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 1-12

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

Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.

Quick Links