Best Mckenzie County Public Elementary Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,134 students in Mckenzie County, ND.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Mckenzie County, ND are Horse Creek School, Alexander Elementary School and Badlands Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mckenzie County, ND public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the North Dakota public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Mckenzie County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is more than the North Dakota public elementary school average of 32% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Mckenzie County (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Horse Creek School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1812 Horse Creek Rd
Cartwright, ND 58838
(701) 828-3080
Gr: K-8 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #22.
Alexander Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
601 Delaney St
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Gr: PK-6 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Badlands Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
300 3rd St Se
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-5 | 538 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #44.
Fox Hills Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2610 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-5 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #55.
Watford City Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Third St Ne
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 6-8 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #66.
Mandaree Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
110 3rd St Nw
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: K-8 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: n/an/a
Mandaree Day School
17 Warrior Way
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: K-12 | 219 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
2112 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-6 | 9 students Minority enrollment: 33%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Mckenzie County, ND

Mckenzie County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Po Box 589
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 863-6720
Gr: K-6 | 17 students
Po Box 488
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: 6-8 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Mckenzie County, ND?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Mckenzie County, ND include Horse Creek School, Alexander Elementary School and Badlands Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Mckenzie County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Mckenzie County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mckenzie County?
Mckenzie County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is more than the North Dakota public elementary schools average of 32% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Mckenzie County are often viewed compared to one another?

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