For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public middle schools serving 2,122 students in Mankato, MN.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Mankato, MN are Central Middle School Alc, Prairie Care Mankato and Dakota Meadows Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mankato, MN public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Minnesota public middle school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 49% statewide average). Middle schools in Mankato have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Minnesota public middle school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Mankato, MN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Central Middle School Alc
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
110 Fulton Street
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-3047
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-3047
Gr: 6-8
Rank: #22.
Prairie Care Mankato
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
120 E Main St
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-1818
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-1818
Gr: K-12 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Dakota Meadows Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1900 Howard Dr
Mankato, MN 56002
(507) 387-5077
Mankato, MN 56002
(507) 387-5077
Gr: 6-8 | 852 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
Prairie Winds Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1200 Prairie Winds Dr
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 345-6625
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 345-6625
Gr: 6-8 | 887 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #55.
Futures Program
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1610 Commerce Dr
Mankato, MN 56003
(507) 387-1455
Mankato, MN 56003
(507) 387-1455
Gr: K-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #66.
Kato Public Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
110 N 6th St
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-5524
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-5524
Gr: 6-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: n/an/a
Central Freedom School
Alternative School
110 Fulton St
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-3047
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-3047
Gr: 7-12 | 1 student Student-teacher ratio: 1:1
Rank: n/an/a
Futures Sun
Special Education School
2077 Lookout Dr
Mankato, MN 56003
(507) 387-1455
Mankato, MN 56003
(507) 387-1455
Gr: 1-12 | 21 students Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: n/an/a
Special Education
Special Education School
10 Civic Center Plaza Suite
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-1818
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-1818
Gr: PK-12 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Mankato, MN?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Mankato, MN include Central Middle School Alc, Prairie Care Mankato and Dakota Meadows Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Mankato?
10 public middle schools are located in Mankato.
What is the racial composition of students in Mankato?
Mankato public middle schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Minnesota public middle schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
