For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 1,373 students in Pennington County, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Pennington County, MN are Challenger Elementary School, Goodridge Elementary School and Franklin Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pennington County, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Pennington County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Pennington County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Challenger Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
601 County Rd 61
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Gr: PK-5 | 781 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Goodridge Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
201 Osmund Ave
Goodridge, MN 56725
(218) 378-4134
Goodridge, MN 56725
(218) 378-4134
Gr: PK-6 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Franklin Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
300 Spruce Ave S
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Gr: 6-8 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Pennington County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Booster Club Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
601 County Road 61
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2345
Gr: K-5
Franklin Prowler Academy Targ Servs (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
300 S. Spruce Avenue
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8813
Gr: 6-8
Northwest Alc High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
230 Labree Ave. S.
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8711
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8711
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
<麻豆果冻传媒 class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Pennington County, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Pennington County, MN include Challenger Elementary School, Goodridge Elementary School and Franklin Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Pennington County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Pennington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pennington County?
Pennington County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
麻豆果冻传媒 Articles
Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.