For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 280 students in Nelson County, ND.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Nelson County, ND are Dakota Prairie Elementary School and Lakota Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nelson County, ND public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Dakota public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Nelson County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public elementary school average of 31% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Nelson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dakota Prairie Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
101 Nyhus Ave
Mcville, ND 58254
(701) 322-4771
Mcville, ND 58254
(701) 322-4771
Gr: PK-6 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Lakota Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
316 E Ave East
Lakota, ND 58344
(701) 247-2955
Lakota, ND 58344
(701) 247-2955
Gr: PK-6 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Nelson County, ND?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Nelson County, ND include Dakota Prairie Elementary School and Lakota Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Nelson County?
2 public elementary schools are located in Nelson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Nelson County?
Nelson County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public elementary schools average of 31% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendship Drama at School
Meta Description: Practical 2026 strategies for helping your child navigate friendship drama at school with confidence, empathy, and resilience.
Raising Kind Kids: Public Schools and Empathy
Discover How Public Schools Teach Empathy and Character Education through SEL, service learning, and restorative practices in 2026.
Do We Still Need Libraries in Public Schools in 2026
An updated look at the role of public school libraries in 2026, their impact on literacy, equity, and digital learning, and why they remain essential today.