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 Elementary Schools in Buffalo, MN (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Buffalo Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,695 students in Buffalo, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN are Northwinds Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School and Buffalo Community Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buffalo, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Buffalo have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Buffalo, MN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwinds Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1111 7th Ave Nw
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8800
Gr: K-5 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Parkside Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
207 3rd St Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8500
Gr: PK-5 | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Buffalo Community Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1300 Highway 25 N
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8200
Gr: 6-8 | 1,160 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Eastern Wright Program
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1405 3rd Ave. Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Gr: 5-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #55.
Discovery Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
301 2nd Ave Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8400
Gr: K-5 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #66.
Tatanka Elementary Stem School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
703 8th St Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8600
Gr: K-5 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #77.
Cornerstones Program
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1405 3rd Ave. Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Gr: 6-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #88.
Wright Technical Center Alc Middle School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1405 3rd Ave Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Gr: 6-8 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
Rank: #99.
Terra Nova School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1705 Highway 25 N
Buffalo, MN 55313
(952) 852-0129
Gr: 6-12 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN include Northwinds Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School and Buffalo Community Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Buffalo?
9 public elementary schools are located in Buffalo.
What is the racial composition of students in Buffalo?
Buffalo public elementary schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Buffalo are often viewed compared to one another?

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: