Best Burke County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 414 students in Burke County, ND.
The top-ranked public schools in Burke County, ND are Powers Lake Elementary School, Powers Lake High School and Burke Central High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Burke County, ND public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the North Dakota public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Burke County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public school average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Burke County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Powers Lake Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
600 Railroad Ave E
Powers Lake, ND 58773
(701) 464-5432
Gr: PK-8 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Powers Lake High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
600 Railroad Ave E
Powers Lake, ND 58773
(701) 464-5432
Gr: 9-12 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Burke Central High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
101 4th Avenue W
Lignite, ND 58752
(701) 933-2821
Gr: 7-12 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Burke Central Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
101 4th Avenue W
Lignite, ND 58752
(701) 933-2821
Gr: PK-6 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Bowbells Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
200 Madison Ave Nw
Bowbells, ND 58721
(701) 377-2396
Gr: PK-6 | 57 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #66.
Bowbells High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
200 Madison Ave Nw
Bowbells, ND 58721
(701) 377-2396
Gr: 7-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 13%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Burke County, ND?
The top-ranked public schools in Burke County, ND include Powers Lake Elementary School, Powers Lake High School and Burke Central High School.
How many public schools are located in Burke County?
6 public schools are located in Burke County.
What is the racial composition of students in Burke County?
Burke County public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public schools average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Burke County are often viewed compared to one another?

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