For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,665 students in Aitkin County, MN (there are , serving 130 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Aitkin County, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Aitkin County, MN are Aitkin Secondary School, Rippleside Elementary School and Mcgregor Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Aitkin County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Aitkin County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Aitkin County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Aitkin Secondary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
306 2nd St Nw
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-2115
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-2115
Gr: 7-12 | 520 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Rippleside Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
225 2nd Ave Sw
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-4838
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-4838
Gr: PK-6 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Mcgregor Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
148 S 2nd St
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-2111
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-2111
Gr: PK-6 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Hill City Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
500 Ione Ave
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Gr: PK-4 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Hill City Senior High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
500 Ione Ave
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Gr: 9-12 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #66.
Mcgregor Secondary
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
148 S 2nd St
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-2111
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-2111
Gr: 7-12 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #77.
Hill City Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
500 Ione Ave
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Hill City, MN 55748
(218) 697-2394
Gr: 5-8 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Aitkin Alternative Learning Program
Alternative School
12 7th St Nw
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-3421
Aitkin, MN 56431
(218) 927-3421
Gr: 8-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: n/an/a
Mcgregor Area Learning Program
Alternative School
25 S 2nd St
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5135
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5135
Gr: 8-12 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 25%
Aitkin County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
20930 367th Ln
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5320
Mcgregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-5320
Gr: K-12 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
401 South 5th Ave
Palisade, MN 56469
(218) 845-2406
Palisade, MN 56469
(218) 845-2406
Gr: K-4 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Aitkin County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Aitkin County, MN include Aitkin Secondary School, Rippleside Elementary School and Mcgregor Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Aitkin County?
9 public schools are located in Aitkin County.
What percentage of students in Aitkin County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Aitkin County are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Aitkin County?
Aitkin County public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.
