For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,730 students in Benton County, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, MN are Foley Elementary School, Rice Elementary School and Pleasantview Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Benton County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Benton County (2026)
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.
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: #33.
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: n/an/a
Hillside Early Childhood Center
Special Education School
30 Fourth Ave S
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 255-8910
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 255-8910
Gr: PK | 68 students Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: n/an/a
Sauk Rapids Ecfe
Alternative School
30 4th Ave S
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1101
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1101
Gr: PK
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 Targeted Svcs. Foley (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
Box 297
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7175
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7175
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 preschools in Benton County, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, MN include Foley Elementary School, Rice Elementary School and Pleasantview Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Benton County?
5 public preschools are located in Benton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County public preschools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.