For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 1,305 students in Barnes County, ND (there are 1 private school, serving 48 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Barnes County, ND are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Barnes County, ND are Barnes County North Elementary School, Barnes County North High School and Jefferson Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Barnes County, ND public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the North Dakota public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Barnes County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public school average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Barnes County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Barnes County North Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2184 101st Ave Se
Wimbledon, ND 58492
(701) 646-6202
Wimbledon, ND 58492
(701) 646-6202
Gr: PK-8 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #22.
Barnes County North High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2184 101st Ave Se
Wimbledon, ND 58492
(701) 646-6202
Wimbledon, ND 58492
(701) 646-6202
Gr: 9-12 | 74 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1150 Central Ave N
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0622
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0622
Gr: PK-3 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
510 8th Ave Sw
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0849
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0849
Gr: 4-6 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Valley City High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
493 Central Ave N
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0483
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0483
Gr: 9-12 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Valley City Junior High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
493 Central Ave N
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0483
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0483
Gr: 7-8 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
460 Central Avenue N
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0483
Valley City, ND 58072
(701) 845-0483
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Barnes County, ND?
The top-ranked public schools in Barnes County, ND include Barnes County North Elementary School, Barnes County North High School and Jefferson Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Barnes County?
7 public schools are located in Barnes County.
What percentage of students in Barnes County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Barnes County are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Barnes County?
Barnes County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public schools average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
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?
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
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.