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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Rice County Public Charter Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public charter schools serving 725 students in Rice County, MN.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN are Prairie Creek Community School, Arcadia Charter School and Nerstrand Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rice County, MN public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Minnesota public charter school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 42% statewide average). Charter schools in Rice County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public charter school average of 66% (majority Black).

Best Public Charter Schools in Rice County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Prairie Creek Community School
Charter School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
27695 Denmark Ave
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-9640
Gr: K-5 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Arcadia Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1719 Cannon Rd
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8806
Gr: 6-12 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Nerstrand Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
205 S 2nd St
Nerstrand, MN 55053
(507) 333-6850
Gr: K-5 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Cannon River Stem School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1800 14th St Ne
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-7836
Gr: K-8 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Discovery Public School - Faribault
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
126 8th Street Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-5423
Gr: 6-12 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: n/an/a
Surad Academy
Charter School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 805-2335
Gr: K-6 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN include Prairie Creek Community School, Arcadia Charter School and Nerstrand Charter School.
How many public charter schools are located in Rice County?
6 public charter schools are located in Rice County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rice County?
Rice County public charter schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public charter schools average of 66% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Rice County are often viewed compared to one another?

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