Best Schools in Brainerd, Minnesota
12 schools · 8 Elementary · 1 Middle · 2 High · 1 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.5/10
- Median household income
- $70,269
- Median home value
- $237,900
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 24%
- Avg commute
- 22 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 74%
33% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Brainerd compares
Minnesota rank
#84 of 229
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.2
above Minnesota avg (6.3)
Median household income
$70k
84% of Minnesota median
Schools in this city
9
About Schools in Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd, Minnesota is home to 12 schools, including 9 public schools and 3 private schools. The city's schools span 8 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools.
With an average rating of 6.5 out of 10, schools in Brainerd show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Brainerd is Harrison Elementary with a composite score of 9.0/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Brainerd is served by 2 school districts: Discovery Woods, BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. These districts collectively serve 6,238 students.
Brainerd's community shows 24% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $70,269. The poverty rate in the area is 10.2%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
8 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 224 students · Kindergarten–4th | 9.0 | ||
| 2 | 369 students · Kindergarten–4th | 8.5 | ||
| 3 | 104 students · Kindergarten–6th | 7.6 | ||
| 4 | 278 students · Kindergarten–4th | 6.3 | ||
| 5 | 461 students · Pre-K–4th | 5.3 | ||
| Private Schools 3 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Private
201 students · Pre-K–8th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF BRAINERD
Private
20 students · Pre-K–2nd | Not Rated | ||
| 3 | OAK STREET CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Private
10 students · Kindergarten–6th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 students · 5th–8th | — |
High Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,833 students · 9th–12th | 5.4 |
| 2 | 159 students · 8th–12th | 4.3 |
Other Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 98 students · 2nd–12th | 6.5 |
Schools in Brainerd
Brainerd, Minnesota · 12 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$70,269
Median Home Value
$237,900
Median Rent
$918/mo
Population
31,749
College Educated
24%
Homeownership
74%
Avg Commute
22 min
Poverty Rate
10.2%
Community Profile
Brainerd has a median household income of $70,269. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $237,900, with a median rent of $918/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.2%. The average commute for residents is 22 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Minnesota
- Total Schools
- 12
- Elementary
- 8
- Middle
- 1
- High
- 2
- Districts
- 2
- Avg Rating
- 6.5/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Minnesota
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Brainerd, Minnesota
How many schools are in Brainerd, Minnesota?
Brainerd has 12 schools, including 9 public and 3 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Brainerd, Minnesota?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Brainerd is 6.5 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Brainerd, Minnesota?
The top-ranked school in Brainerd on MySchoolScout is Harrison Elementary with a composite score of 9.0/10.
What is the best elementary school in Brainerd, Minnesota?
The top-ranked elementary school in Brainerd on MySchoolScout is Harrison Elementary with a composite score of 9.0/10.
What is the best high school in Brainerd, Minnesota?
The top-ranked high school in Brainerd on MySchoolScout is Brainerd Senior High with a composite score of 5.4/10.
How many school districts serve Brainerd, Minnesota?
Brainerd is served by 2 school districts: Discovery Woods, Brainerd Public School District.
What is the education level in Brainerd, Minnesota?
According to Census data, 24% of adults in Brainerd have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Brainerd, Minnesota?
The median household income in Brainerd is approximately $70,269 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Brainerd, Minnesota?
Yes, Brainerd has 3 private schools alongside 9 public schools. The top-rated private school is St Francis Catholic School with a score of 5.3/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Brainerd, Minnesota?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Brainerd is 11.3:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Brainerd, Minnesota?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
Related reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Minnesota Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.