For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 702 students in Pennington County, MN.
The top-ranked public high schools in Pennington County, MN are Northwest Area Learning Center, Lincoln Senior High School and Goodridge Secondary. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pennington County, MN public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Minnesota public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Pennington County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public high schools.
Pennington County, MN public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the Minnesota average of 83%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Lincoln Senior High School, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Minnesota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public High Schools in Pennington County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwest Area Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
230 Labree Ave S
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-7051
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-7051
Gr: 9-12 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Lincoln Senior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
101 Knight Ave S
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-7432
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-7432
Gr: 9-12 | 565 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Goodridge Secondary
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 Osmund Ave
Goodridge, MN 56725
(218) 378-4133
Goodridge, MN 56725
(218) 378-4133
Gr: 7-12 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
Summer Nw Area Learning Center
Alternative School
230 Labree Ave So
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8711
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-8711
Gr: 9-12
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Pennington County, MN?
The top-ranked public high schools in Pennington County, MN include Northwest Area Learning Center, Lincoln Senior High School and Goodridge Secondary.
How many public high schools are located in Pennington County?
4 public high schools are located in Pennington County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pennington County?
Pennington County public high schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public high schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Recent Articles
Transitioning to High School: A Family Guide
Learn how to prepare for high school with practical tips for families before freshman year, from academics to social readiness.
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Transitioning to Middle School: Summer Planning Guide
A practical 2026 summer planning guide to help parents support a smooth middle school transition for their child.
