Best Elementary Schools
in Minneapolis, Minnesota
We ranked the 68 elementary schools in Minneapolis with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.2 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Minnesota education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Minneapolis for 2026 are Bancroft Elementary (9.3/10), Kenny Elementary (9.2/10), and Northrop Elementary (9.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 68 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Minneapolis?
Every elementary school in Minneapolis is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Bancroft Elementary
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Kenny Elementary
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Northrop Elementary
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Minneapolis has 66 ranked elementary schools, giving families a wide range of options across the metro. Quality varies considerably — the average composite score sits at 6.6/10, but 28 schools clear the 7/10 mark, meaning strong options are genuinely available across the city if you know where to look. Bancroft Elementary leads the field with a 9.4/10, followed closely by CVA Fusion Elementary (9.3/10) and Lake Harriet Upper Elementary (9.2/10). The table below lets you sort by overall score, test performance, and other key metrics to find the right fit for your child. Keep in mind that the best school on paper isn't always the best school for a specific kid — use the scores as a starting point, then dig into what each school actually offers before making a decision.
Bancroft Elementary
Kenny Elementary
Northrop Elementary
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Minneapolis's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Minnesota so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 68 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bancroft Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 9.3 |
| 2 | Kenny Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 9.2 |
| 3 | Northrop Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 9.2 |
| 4 | Lake Harriet Lower Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 9.1 |
| 5 | Armatage Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 8.9 |
| 6 | Howe Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 8.9 |
| 7 | Burroughs Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 8.8 |
| 8 | Hale Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 8.8 |
| 9 | Waite Park Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 8.7 |
| 10 | Southside Family Charter School Charter SOUTHSIDE FAMILY CHARTER SCHOOL | 8.6 |
| 11 | Windom Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 8.4 |
| 12 | Avail Academy - Blaine | 8.4 |
| 13 | Banaadir Elementary Charter Minnesota Transitions Charter Sch | 8.1 |
| 14 | Minnehaha Academy Lower School | 8.1 |
| 15 | Green Central Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 8.0 |
| 16 | Pratt Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 7.9 |
| 17 | Our Lady of Peace | 7.9 |
| 18 | Friendship Academy of Arts-primary Charter Friendship Academy of the Arts | 7.8 |
| 19 | Kenwood Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 7.8 |
| 20 | Amos and Celia Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day Sc | 7.8 |
| 21 | Lyndale Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 7.6 |
| 22 | Minneapolis Jewish Day School Inc. | 7.6 |
| 23 | Yinghua Academy Charter YINGHUA ACADEMY | 7.3 |
| 24 | Dowling Elementary Minneapolis Public School District | 7.3 |
| 25 | Skyline Math and Science Academy Charter Skyline Math and Science Academy | 7.2 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Minnesota education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Minnesota. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Minneapolis
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Minneapolis's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Minneapolis
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Minneapolis's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Minnesota, with 87 schools spanning 31 school districts, plus 26 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Bancroft Elementary is the top-rated elementary school in Minneapolis with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Minneapolis has 87 elementary schools, including 26 charter schools. Of these, 80 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Minneapolis?
The average composite score for Minneapolis elementary schools is 6.3/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Minnesota).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Minnesota, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Minnesota, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Minneapolis elementary school rankings?
Yes. Minneapolis has 26 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.