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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Detroit Lakes Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 2,728 students in Detroit Lakes, MN (there are 3 private schools, serving 179 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Detroit Lakes, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Detroit Lakes, MN are Detroit Lakes Senior High School, Rossman Elementary School and Roosevelt Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Detroit Lakes, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Detroit Lakes have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Detroit Lakes, MN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Detroit Lakes Senior High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1301 Roosevelt Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-4491
Gr: 9-12 | 791 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Rossman Elementary School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1221 Rossman Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-9268
Gr: PK-5 | 565 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Roosevelt Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
510 11th Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-1106
Gr: PK-5 | 562 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Detroit Lakes Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
500 11th Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-9228
Gr: 6-8 | 617 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #55.
Detroit Lakes Middle Alc
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
500 11th Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-9228
Gr: 6-8
Rank: #66.
Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
900 Highway 34 E
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 844-5687
Gr: 9-12 | 57 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
Detroit Lakes Alternative Program
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
900 Highway 34 E
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 844-5687
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Afterschool Program
Alternative School
702 Lake Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 844-5687
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
E-laker Online School
702 Lake Avenue
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 844-4761
Gr: 9-12 | 38 students Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
High School Extended Year Program
Alternative School
702 Lake Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 844-5687
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Laker Transitions
Special Education School
1104 West River Road
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 844-4760
Gr: 12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: n/an/a
Lincoln Early Childhood Ed. Center
204 Willow St E
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-4418
Gr: PK | 64 students Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Out Of State Care And Treatment
Alternative School
702 Lake Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-9271
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
Voluntary Pre-kindergarten
204 Willow St E
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-4418
Gr: PK | 17 students Minority enrollment: 30%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Detroit Lakes, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Detroit Lakes, MN include Detroit Lakes Senior High School, Rossman Elementary School and Roosevelt Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Detroit Lakes?
14 public schools are located in Detroit Lakes.
What percentage of students in Detroit Lakes go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Detroit Lakes are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Detroit Lakes?
Detroit Lakes public schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Detroit Lakes are often viewed compared to one another?

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