Best High Schools
in Minneapolis, Minnesota
We ranked the 40 high schools in Minneapolis with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.5 and 7.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Minnesota education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Minneapolis for 2026 are Washburn High (7.6/10), Minnehaha Academy - Upper School (7.6/10), and Loring-nicollet High (7.4/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 40 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Minneapolis?
Every high 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.
Washburn High
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Minnehaha Academy - Upper School
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Loring-nicollet High
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Minneapolis has 37 ranked high schools, giving families a genuinely broad field to evaluate. South High leads the metro with a composite score of 8.5 out of 10, tied with Longfellow Alternative High at the same mark. Washburn, Roosevelt, and Wellstone International round out the top five, all scoring between 7.9 and 8.0. The average composite across all ranked schools sits at 6.6, so the gap between a median school and a top performer is meaningful — worth paying close attention to when sorting. Nearly half the field clears the 7-point threshold, with 17 schools scoring 7 or higher. That concentration of solid performers gives Minneapolis parents more viable options than metros of similar size often do. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors that matter most to your student. The data reflects each school's academic performance across standardized measures — no single number tells the whole story, but it's a useful starting point.
Washburn High
Minnehaha Academy - Upper School
Loring-nicollet High
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Minneapolis's High 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 40 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washburn High Minneapolis Public School District | 7.6 |
| 2 | Minnehaha Academy - Upper School | 7.6 |
| 3 | Loring-nicollet High Minneapolis Public School District | 7.4 |
| 4 | Harrison Education Center Minneapolis Public School District | 7.2 |
| 5 | Center School Minneapolis Public School District | 7.0 |
| 6 | Takoda Prep Minneapolis Public School District | 6.8 |
| 7 | Augsburg Fairview Academy Charter AUGSBURG FAIRVIEW ACADEMY | 6.7 |
| 8 | Fair High Minneapolis Public School District | 6.6 |
| 9 | Heritage Academy High Minneapolis Public School District | 6.6 |
| 10 | Mts High School Charter Minnesota Transitions Charter Sch | 6.4 |
| 11 | Roosevelt High Minneapolis Public School District | 6.4 |
| 12 | Longfellow Alternative High Minneapolis Public School District | 6.4 |
| 13 | Unity Campus Charter MINNESOTA INTERNSHIP CENTER | 6.3 |
| 14 | Lincoln International High School Charter Lincoln International High School | 6.1 |
| 15 | Rondo Campus Charter MINNESOTA INTERNSHIP CENTER | 6.1 |
| 16 | Edison High Minneapolis Public School District | 6.1 |
| 17 | EL Colegio Charter School Charter EL COLEGIO CHARTER SCHOOL | 6.0 |
| 18 | Merc Minneapolis Public School District | 5.9 |
| 19 | Southwest High Minneapolis Public School District | 5.8 |
| 20 | Menlo Park Academy Minneapolis Public School District | 5.8 |
| 21 | Henry High Minneapolis Public School District | 5.7 |
| 22 | Stadium View Minneapolis Public School District | 5.6 |
| 23 | North High Minneapolis Public School District | 5.6 |
| 24 | Venture Academy High School Charter Venture Academy | 5.5 |
| 25 | South High Minneapolis Public School District | 5.5 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Minnesota education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Minnesota. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Minnesota, with 50 schools spanning 31 school districts, plus 16 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 high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Washburn High is the top-rated high school in Minneapolis with a composite score of 7.6/10. 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 high schools are in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Minneapolis has 50 high schools, including 16 charter schools. Of these, 41 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Minneapolis?
The average composite score for Minneapolis high schools is 5.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Minnesota).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Minneapolis has 16 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.