For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 270 students in Burke County, ND.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Burke County, ND are Powers Lake Elementary School, Burke Central Elementary School and Bowbells Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Burke County, ND public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the North Dakota public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Burke County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public elementary school average of 32% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Burke County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Powers Lake Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
600 Railroad Ave E
Powers Lake, ND 58773
(701) 464-5432
Powers Lake, ND 58773
(701) 464-5432
Gr: PK-8 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Burke Central Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
101 4th Avenue W
Lignite, ND 58752
(701) 933-2821
Lignite, ND 58752
(701) 933-2821
Gr: K-6 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Bowbells Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
200 Madison Ave Nw
Bowbells, ND 58721
(701) 377-2396
Bowbells, ND 58721
(701) 377-2396
Gr: PK-6 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Burke County, ND?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Burke County, ND include Powers Lake Elementary School, Burke Central Elementary School and Bowbells Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Burke County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Burke County.
What is the racial composition of students in Burke County?
Burke County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public elementary schools average of 32% (majority American Indian 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.
