For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 4,331 students in Benton County, MN.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Benton County, MN are Foley Elementary School, Foley Intermediate Elementary School and Rice Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Benton County 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 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Benton County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Foley Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
743 Penn St
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7286
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7286
Gr: PK-3 | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Foley Intermediate Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
840 Norman Ave N
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-6251
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-6251
Gr: 4-8 | 743 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Rice Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
200 Ne 3rd Ave
Rice, MN 56367
(320) 393-2177
Rice, MN 56367
(320) 393-2177
Gr: PK-5 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Pleasantview Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1009 N 6th Ave
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-0506
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-0506
Gr: PK-5 | 722 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Mississippi Heights Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1003 S 4th St
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-0122
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-0122
Gr: K-5 | 817 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Benton-stearns Education District
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
324 3rd Avenue South
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-8427
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 252-8427
Gr: 5-12 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Benton-stearns Education Pioneers
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
212 3rd Avenue North
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Gr: K-6 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #88.
Sauk Rapids-rice Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
901 1st St S
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 654-9073
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 654-9073
Gr: 6-8 | 1,067 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Benton-stearns Education - Asd
Special Education School
212 3rd Avenue North
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 257-9989
Gr: K-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
1833 Osauka Road Ne
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1822
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1822
Gr: 6-12
Benton County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Central Mn Area Learn Cntr - Foley (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
840 Norman Ave N
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 746-2196
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 746-2196
Gr: K-12 | 4 students
Central Mn T.s. Sauk Rapids (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1833 Osauka Road Ne
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Central Mn. Alc - Sauk Rapids (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1833 Osauka Rd Ne
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-4703
Gr: 1-12 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 50%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Benton County, MN?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Benton County, MN include Foley Elementary School, Foley Intermediate Elementary School and Rice Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Benton County?
10 public elementary schools are located in Benton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County 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 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Benton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Benton County include: Mississippi Heights Elementary School vs. Pleasantview Elementary School, Pleasantview Elementary School vs. Mississippi Heights Elementary School, Foley Intermediate Elementary School vs. Sauk Rapids-rice Middle School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
