Minnesota is home to some of the highest-performing public, charter, and private schools in the United States. Whether you’re a parent relocating or looking for better educational opportunities for your child, choosing the right school can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore the top-ranked schools in Minnesota , based on recent data from Niche, U.S. News & World Report, and state education departments. Each entry includes:
- School type (public, private, charter)
- Location
- Student-to-teacher ratio
- Test scores
- College readiness stats
- Official website and contact details
Let’s dive in!
🥇 Top 10 Ranked Schools in Minnesota (K-12)
1. Mounds View High School
- Location: Arden Hills, MN
- Type: Public
- Ranking Source: U.S. News & World Report #1 in MN
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- SAT Average: 1260
- College Readiness: 95%
- Website: moundsviewschools.org
- Contact: (651) 636-1600
2. Minnetonka Senior High School
- Location: Minnetonka, MN
- Type: Public
- Ranking Source: Niche A+ Rating
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- AP Courses Offered: 30+
- College Enrollment Rate: 94%
- Website: minnetonkaschools.org
- Contact: (952) 401-5000
3. South Washington County Schools – East Metro Academy
- Location: Woodbury, MN
- Type: Charter
- Ranking Source: Niche Top Charter School
- Focus: STEM & College Prep
- Website: eastmetroacademy.org
- Contact: (651) 255-7700
4. St. Paul Conservatory of Performing Arts (SPCPA)
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Type: Charter
- Specialty: Performing Arts & Academics
- Ranking Source: U.S. News Silver Medal Winner
- Website: spcofa.org
- Contact: (651) 293-8680
5. Blake School – Upper Campus
- Location: Hopkins, MN
- Type: Private
- Ranking Source: Niche #1 Private School in MN
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Tuition: $30,000/year
- Website: blakeschool.org
- Contact: (952) 947-4800
6. Apple Valley High School
- Location: Apple Valley, MN
- Type: Public
- Ranking Source: State Test Scores & Graduation Rates
- Clubs & Activities: 50+
- Website: isd42.org
- Contact: (952) 445-6200
7. Cretin-Derham Hall
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Type: Private Catholic
- Ranking Source: Niche Top Private Catholic School
- Average SAT Score: 1270
- Website: cdhsmariners.org
- Contact: (651) 770-2200
8. Wayzata High School
- Location: Plymouth, MN
- Type: Public
- Ranking Source: GreatSchools & U.S. News
- Advanced Placement Participation: 65%
- Website: wayzataschools.org
- Contact: (763) 745-5000
9. Edina High School
- Location: Edina, MN
- Type: Public
- Ranking Source: Statewide Academic Competitions
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Website: edinaschools.org
- Contact: (952) 848-4000
10. Hill-Murray School
- Location: Maplewood, MN
- Type: Private Co-ed
- Ranking Source: Niche Top Christian School
- STEM Programs: Strong
- Website: hill-murray.org
- Contact: (651) 770-2200
🎯 How Are These Schools Ranked?
The rankings are based on several authoritative sources:
- Niche.com : Grades schools on academics, teachers, diversity, college readiness, and student reviews.
- U.S. News & World Report : Evaluates schools using college readiness, math and reading proficiency, and equity metrics.
- Minnesota Department of Education : Publishes statewide assessments and graduation rates.
📚 Types of Schools in Minnesota
✅ Public Schools
- Funded by the government
- Free to attend
- Follow state curriculum standards
✅ Charter Schools
- Publicly funded but independently operated
- Often have specialized programs (e.g., STEM, arts, language immersion)
✅ Private Schools
- Tuition-based
- May offer religious education, advanced curricula, or small class sizes
🧭 How to Choose the Right School for Your Child
When selecting a school, consider:
- Academic Performance : Look at test scores and college acceptance rates.
- Extracurriculars : Sports, arts, clubs, robotics, etc.
- Class Size : Smaller classes often mean more individualized attention.
- Location & Transportation : Is the school easily accessible?
- Special Needs Support : Does the school accommodate learning differences?
📞 Contact Information for Minnesota School Districts
| School District | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Public Schools | mpls.k12.mn.us | (612) 668-0000 |
| St. Paul Public Schools | spps.org | (651) 744-4000 |
| Rochester Public Schools | rochester.k12.mn.us | (507) 328-4000 |
| Duluth Public Schools | isd709.org | (218) 340-3000 |
🔗 Related Resources
- MN Department of Education – Find a School
- GreatSchools.org – Minnesota School Search
- Niche.com – Minnesota School Rankings
📝 Conclusion
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. With a wide range of high-quality public, charter, and private schools , Minnesota offers excellent options for every learner. From STEM-focused charters to elite prep schools, there’s something for everyone.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with other parents or leave a comment below with your favorite school in Minnesota!
🔒 Disclaimer
All ranking data and contact information was accurate as of March 2025. Please verify directly with the school or district for any changes.
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