For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 2,851 students in Mckenzie County, ND (there are 1 private school, serving 55 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Mckenzie County, ND are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Mckenzie County, ND are Horse Creek School, Mandaree High School and Wolves Center Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mckenzie County, ND public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the North Dakota public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Mckenzie County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is more than the North Dakota public school average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Mckenzie County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Horse Creek School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1812 Horse Creek Rd
Cartwright, ND 58838
(701) 828-3080
Cartwright, ND 58838
(701) 828-3080
Grades: K-8
| 8 students
Rank: #22.
Mandaree High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
110 3rd St Nw
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Grades: 9-12
| 54 students
Rank: #33.
Wolves Center Academy
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
908 4th Avenue Ne
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Grades: 9-12
| 20 students
Rank: #44.
Alexander Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 Delaney St
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Grades: PK-6
| 211 students
Rank: #55.
Badlands Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 3rd St Se
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Grades: K-5
| 500 students
Rank: #66.
Fox Hills Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2610 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Grades: K-5
| 608 students
Rank: #77.
Watford City Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
100 Third St Ne
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Grades: 6-8
| 466 students
Rank: #88.
Watford City High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2313 Wolves Den Pkwy
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Grades: 9-12
| 511 students
Rank: #99.
Alexander High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
601 Delaney St
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Grades: 7-12
| 132 students
Rank: #1010.
Mandaree Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
110 3rd St Nw
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Grades: PK-8
| 144 students
Rank: n/an/a
1 Warrior Circle
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Grades: K-12
| 197 students
Rank: n/an/a
2112 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3624
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3624
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
2112 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3624
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3624
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Mckenzie County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Po Box 589
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 863-6720
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 863-6720
Grades: K-6
| 17 students
Po Box 488
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Grades: 6-8
| 46 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Mckenzie County, ND?
The top ranked public schools in Mckenzie County, ND include Horse Creek School, Mandaree High School and Wolves Center Academy.
How many public schools are located in Mckenzie County?
13 public schools are located in Mckenzie County.
What percentage of students in Mckenzie County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Mckenzie County are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mckenzie County?
Mckenzie County public schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is more than the North Dakota public schools average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Mckenzie County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Mckenzie County include: Alexander Elementary School vs. Badlands Elementary School, Badlands Elementary School vs. Alexander Elementary School, Fox Hills Elementary School vs. Watford City Middle School
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