Best Public Schools in Benson, MN

The city of Benson, Minnesota is home to 4 schools serving grades K-12, including 1 elementary school, 3 high schools, and no middle schools or alternative schools, all part of the Benson Public School District. While the district is ranked 311 out of 463 in Minnesota and has a 2-star rating, some schools stand out - Northside Elementary has the largest student population and higher proficiency rates than the district, while the alternative high schools, Benson Area Learning Center and Heartland Girls Ranch, serve a more diverse and economically disadvantaged student population with lower academic performance.

Northside Elementary stands out as the largest and most academically successful school, with 48% of students proficient in math and 44% in reading, outperforming the district and state averages. However, the school also has a high free/reduced lunch rate of 54%, indicating a significant population of economically disadvantaged students. In contrast, Benson Secondary, the largest high school, has lower proficiency rates of 32% in math and 36% in reading, despite a strong 96% graduation rate.

The alternative high schools, Benson Area Learning Center and Heartland Girls Ranch, serve a more diverse student population with higher percentages of minority and economically disadvantaged students. These schools have significantly lower academic performance, with Heartland Girls Ranch reporting 0% proficiency in math and 20% in reading. The Benson Area Learning Center also has a lower 57% graduation rate and a higher 7% dropout rate, highlighting the challenges these schools face in supporting their students.