For the 2025-26 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 2,851 students in Mckenzie County, ND (there are , serving 55 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Mckenzie County, ND are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
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 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Mckenzie County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Horse Creek School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1812 Horse Creek Rd
Cartwright, ND 58838
(701) 828-3080
Cartwright, ND 58838
(701) 828-3080
Gr: K-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #22.
Mandaree High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
110 3rd St Nw
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: 9-12 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Rank: #33.
Wolves Center Academy
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
908 4th Avenue Ne
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 9-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Alexander Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 Delaney St
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Gr: PK-6 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Badlands Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
300 3rd St Se
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-5 | 500 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #66.
Fox Hills Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2610 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-5 | 608 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
Watford City Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
100 Third St Ne
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 6-8 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #88.
Alexander High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
601 Delaney St
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Gr: 7-12 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #99.
Watford City High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2313 Wolves Den Pkwy
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 9-12 | 511 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #1010.
Mandaree Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
110 3rd St Nw
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: PK-8 | 144 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: n/an/a
1 Warrior Circle
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: K-12 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: n/an/a
2112 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3624
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3624
Rank: n/an/a
2112 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3624
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3624
Mckenzie County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Po Box 589
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 863-6720
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 863-6720
Gr: K-6 | 17 students
Po Box 488
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: 6-8 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
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?
98% of all K-12 students in Mckenzie County are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
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 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Mckenzie County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Mckenzie County include: Alexander Elementary School vs. Badlands Elementary School, Watford City Middle School vs. Fox Hills Elementary School, Fox Hills Elementary School vs. Badlands Elementary School
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