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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Brainerd Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 1,462 students in Brainerd, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Brainerd, MN are Lowell Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School and Harrison Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Brainerd, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Brainerd have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary 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: #2 - 32. - 3.
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: #2 - 32. - 3.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Brainerd, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Brainerd, MN include Lowell Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School and Harrison Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Brainerd?
7 public elementary schools are located in Brainerd.
What is the racial composition of students in Brainerd?
Brainerd public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Brainerd are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Brainerd include: Riverside Elementary School vs. Harrison Elementary School

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