Best Public Schools in Rochester, MN

The city of Rochester, Minnesota is home to 39 schools, including 20 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 11 high schools, and 2 alternative schools, all part of the Rochester Public School District. While the district as a whole performs below the state average in math, reading, and science proficiency, several standout schools in the area excel academically.

At the elementary level, Jefferson Elementary and Washington District-Wide Elementary rank among the top 90 elementary schools in Minnesota, with exceptional test scores and 5-star ratings from SchoolDigger. Other high-performing elementary schools include Folwell Elementary and Lincoln K-8 District-Wide School. However, the district also has significant performance gaps, with some schools struggling with low graduation rates and high dropout rates.

At the high school level, Century Senior High stands out, ranking 72 out of 480 Minnesota high schools and earning a 4-star rating. The district's high schools have a wide range of 4-year graduation rates, from 88.6% at John Marshall Senior High to just 26.6% at Rochester Beacon Academy. The district also offers specialized schools, such as the Rochester STEM Academy and Montessori at Franklin Elementary, which cater to specific educational approaches or student populations.