For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,048 students in Grant County, MN (there are 1 private school, serving 31 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Grant County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Grant County, MN are West Central Area N. Elementary School, Ashby Elementary School and Wca Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Grant County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Grant County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Grant County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West Central Area N. Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
411 1st St Se
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
(218) 685-7500
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
(218) 685-7500
Gr: PK-4 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Ashby Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
300 Birch Ave
Ashby, MN 56309
(218) 747-2257
Ashby, MN 56309
(218) 747-2257
Gr: PK-6 | 179 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #33.
Wca Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
301 County Rd 2
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7400
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7400
Gr: 5-8 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
West Central Area Secondary
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
301 County Rd 2
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7400
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7400
Gr: 9-12 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Ashby Secondary
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 Birch Ave
Ashby, MN 56309
(218) 747-2257
Ashby, MN 56309
(218) 747-2257
Gr: 7-12 | 141 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
Herman Secondary
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
504 Lois Ave N
Herman, MN 56248
(320) 677-2291
Herman, MN 56248
(320) 677-2291
Gr: 7-12 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #77.
Herman Elementary School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
504 Lois Ave N
Herman, MN 56248
(320) 677-2291
Herman, MN 56248
(320) 677-2291
Gr: PK-6 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
West Central Area Alp
Alternative School
301 County Road 2
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7401
Barrett, MN 56311
(320) 528-7401
Gr: 5-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Grant County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Grant County, MN include West Central Area N. Elementary School, Ashby Elementary School and Wca Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Grant County?
8 public schools are located in Grant County.
What percentage of students in Grant County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Grant County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Grant County?
Grant County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.