Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Brainerd, MN (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Brainerd Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,433 students in Brainerd, MN (there are 2 private schools, serving 208 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Brainerd, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Brainerd, MN are Lowell Elementary School, Brainerd Senior High School and Garfield Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Brainerd, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Brainerd have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Brainerd, MN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lowell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
704 3rd Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6550
Gr: K-4 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Brainerd Senior High School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
702 S 5th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6200
Gr: 9-12 | 1,805 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Garfield Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1120 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6450
Gr: PK-4 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Harrison Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1515 Oak St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6500
Gr: PK-4 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
220 3rd St Nw
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6800
Gr: PK-4 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Discovery Woods
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
604 N 7th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-8200
Gr: PK-6 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #77.
Middle Level Alternative Program
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Gr: 5-8 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #88.
Lincoln Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
400 Quince St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6600
Gr: 3-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #99.
Isd 181 Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
311 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-5400
Gr: 8-12 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Brainerd Online School
702 S 5th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6273
Gr: 9-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Brainerd, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Brainerd, MN include Lowell Elementary School, Brainerd Senior High School and Garfield Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Brainerd?
10 public schools are located in Brainerd.
What percentage of students in Brainerd go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Brainerd are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Brainerd?
Brainerd public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Brainerd are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Brainerd include: Riverside Elementary School vs. Harrison Elementary School

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (MN):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
 Minnesota Top-Ranked Public Schools
Minnesota Top-Ranked Public Schools
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
 15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
 Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights
Year-Round vs Traditional School Calendar: 2025 Insights

More Articles

Parenting and Learning Issues
Teaching
Evaluating Public Schools
Local School Topics
Public School Policies