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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Mckenzie County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 2,851 students in Mckenzie County, ND (there are 1 private school, serving 64 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Mckenzie County, ND are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Mckenzie County, ND are Horse Creek School, Mandaree High School and Wolves Center Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mckenzie County, ND public schools have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the North Dakota public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Mckenzie County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is more than the North Dakota public school average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Mckenzie County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Horse Creek School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1812 Horse Creek Rd
Cartwright, ND 58838
(701) 828-3080
Gr: K-8 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #22.
Mandaree High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
110 3rd St Nw
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: 9-12 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #33.
Wolves Center Academy
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
908 4th Avenue Ne
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 9-12 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #44.
Alexander Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
601 Delaney St
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Gr: PK-6 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Badlands Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
300 3rd St Se
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-5 | 538 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #66.
Fox Hills Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2610 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-5 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #77.
Watford City Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Third St Ne
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 6-8 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #88.
Alexander High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
601 Delaney St
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Gr: 7-12 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #99.
Watford City High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2313 Wolves Den Pkwy
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 9-12 | 566 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1010.
Mandaree Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
110 3rd St Nw
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: K-8 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: n/an/a
Mandaree Day School
17 Warrior Way
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: K-12 | 219 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: n/an/a
Watford City Virtual Academy Elementary School
2112 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-6 | 9 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: n/an/a
Watford City Virtual Academy High School
2112 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 7-12 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 29%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Mckenzie County, ND?
The top-ranked public schools in Mckenzie County, ND include Horse Creek School, Mandaree High School and Wolves Center Academy.
How many public schools are located in Mckenzie County?
13 public schools are located in Mckenzie County.
What percentage of students in Mckenzie County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Mckenzie County are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mckenzie County?
Mckenzie County public schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is more than the North Dakota public schools average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Mckenzie County are often viewed compared to one another?

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