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 Pennington County (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Pennington County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 1,373 students in Pennington County, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Pennington County, MN are Challenger Elementary School, Goodridge Elementary School and Franklin Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pennington County, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Pennington County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Pennington County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Challenger Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
601 County Road 61
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Gr: PK-5 | 727 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Goodridge Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
201 Osmund Ave
Goodridge, MN 56725
(218) 378-4134
Gr: PK-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Franklin Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
300 Spruce Ave S
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Gr: 6-8 | 454 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 21%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Pennington County, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Pennington County, MN include Challenger Elementary School, Goodridge Elementary School and Franklin Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Pennington County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Pennington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pennington County?
Pennington County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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: