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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Austin Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public preschools serving 2,255 students in Austin, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Austin, MN are Southgate Elementary School, Cards Program and Banfield Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Austin, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in Austin have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Minnesota public preschool average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public Preschools in Austin, MN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southgate Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1601 19th Ave Sw
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 460-1300
Gr: PK-4 | 539 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #22.
Cards Program
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
406 W Main St
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 857-1160
Gr: PK-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Banfield Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
301 17th St Sw
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 460-1200
Gr: PK-4 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #44.
Neveln Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1918 E Oakland Ave
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 460-1600
Gr: PK-4 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #55.
Sumner Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
805 8th Ave Nw
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 460-1100
Gr: PK-4 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #66.
Oakland Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2001 2nd Ave Nw
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 460-1917
Gr: PK-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: n/an/a
Austin Community Learning Center
Special Education School
1601 4th St Se
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 460-1700
Gr: PK-12 | 87 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: n/an/a
Clc - Pre-kindergarten
1601 4th St Se
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 460-1700
Gr: PK | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: n/an/a
First Step - Kingsland
Special Education School
705 N Section Ave
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 857-1160
Gr: PK | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
First Step Adams
Special Education School
312 W Main St
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 857-1160
Gr: PK | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: n/an/a
First Step Alden
Special Education School
215 N. Broadway Ave
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 857-1160
Gr: PK | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Austin, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Austin, MN include Southgate Elementary School, Cards Program and Banfield Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Austin?
11 public preschools are located in Austin.
What is the racial composition of students in Austin?
Austin public preschools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Minnesota public preschools average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public preschools in Austin are often viewed compared to one another?

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