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Best Public Schools in Nelson County (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Nelson County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 472 students in Nelson County, ND.
The top-ranked public schools in Nelson County, ND are Dakota Prairie Elementary School, Lakota High 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Dakota public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Nelson County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public school average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Nelson County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dakota Prairie Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
101 Nyhus Ave
Mcville, ND 58254
(701) 322-4771
Gr: PK-6 | 158 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Lakota High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
500 Main St N
Lakota, ND 58344
(701) 247-2992
Gr: 7-12 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Lakota Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
316 E Ave East
Lakota, ND 58344
(701) 247-2955
Gr: PK-6 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Dakota Prairie High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
518 4th Ave
Petersburg, ND 58272
(701) 345-8233
Gr: 7-12 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Nelson County, ND?
The top-ranked public schools in Nelson County, ND include Dakota Prairie Elementary School, Lakota High School and Lakota Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Nelson County?
4 public schools are located in Nelson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Nelson County?
Nelson County public schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public schools average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).

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