North Dakota is the #44 largest school system in the United States, serving 122,294 students across the 537 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 60 private schools, serving 11,819 students). 91% of all K-12 students in North Dakota attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in North Dakota is 39%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 44%.
The top-ranked public schools in North Dakota are Larimore Elementary School, Ellendale High School, and Rhame Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 29 Blue Ribbon Schools. Minority enrollment is 29%, with the majority being American Indian or Hispanic and the student:teacher ratio is 12:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in North Dakota (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Larimore Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-6
700 Clark Ave
Larimore, ND 58251
(701) 343-2249
Larimore, ND 58251
(701) 343-2249
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Ellendale High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥80% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
321 1st St N
Ellendale, ND 58436
(701) 349-3232
Ellendale, ND 58436
(701) 349-3232
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Rhame Elementary School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥80% (Top 1%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
402 4th Ave E
Rhame, ND 58651
(701) 279-5523
Rhame, ND 58651
(701) 279-5523
Rank: #2 - 42. - 4.
Sweet Briar School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥80% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-8
4060 County Rd 83
Mandan, ND 58554
(701) 663-7453
Mandan, ND 58554
(701) 663-7453
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Demores Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-8
350 Broadway
Medora, ND 58645
(701) 623-4868
Medora, ND 58645
(701) 623-4868
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Strasburg High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: 7-12
301 1st St N
Strasburg, ND 58573
(701) 336-2667
Strasburg, ND 58573
(701) 336-2667
Rank: #77.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-5
20 29th Ave Ne
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 446-5000
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 446-5000
Rank: #88.
Central Valley High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: 7-12
1556 Highway 81 Ne
Buxton, ND 58218
(701) 847-2220
Buxton, ND 58218
(701) 847-2220
Rank: #99.
Linton Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-8
101 Ne 3rd St
Linton, ND 58552
(701) 254-4138
Linton, ND 58552
(701) 254-4138
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Hebron Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-6
400 Church Ave
Hebron, ND 58638
(701) 878-4442
Hebron, ND 58638
(701) 878-4442
Overview
This State (ND)
# Schools
537 Schools
# Students
122,294 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
9,926 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (ND)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
Graduation Rate
85%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.48
# American Indian Students
13,083 Students
% American Indian Students
11%
# Asian Students
1,750 Students
% Asian Students
1%
# Hispanic Students
8,341 Students
% Hispanic Students
7%
# Black Students
6,529 Students
% Black Students
5%
# White Students
86,623 Students
% White Students
71%
# Hawaiian Students
374 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
5,594 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (ND)
Total Revenue (22-23)
$2,154 MM
Spending (22-23)
$2,154 MM
Revenue / Student (22-23)
$17,615
Spending / Student (22-23)
$17,617
Best North Dakota Public Schools by County (2025)
Popular neighborhoods: Carl Ben (3 schools), Downtown (3 schools), Lewis And Clark (2 schools), Washington (2 schools), Bennett (1 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in North Dakota?
The top-ranked public schools in North Dakota include Larimore Elementary School, Ellendale High School, and Rhame Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in North Dakota?
537 public schools are located in North Dakota.
What percentage of students in North Dakota go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in North Dakota attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in North Dakota?
Minority enrollment in North Dakota is 29%, with the majority being American Indian or Hispanic.
Which public schools in North Dakota are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in North Dakota include: Central High School vs. Red River High School, Alexander Elementary School vs. Badlands Elementary School, Red River High School vs. Central High School
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