For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 1,975 students in Pine County, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Pine County, MN are Finlayson Elementary School, East Central Elementary School and Willow River Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pine County, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Pine County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Pine County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Finlayson Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2159 Hwy 18
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 233-7611
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 233-7611
Gr: PK-6 | 58 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
East Central Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
61085 State Highway 23
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6013
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6013
Gr: PK-6 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Willow River Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8142 Pine St
Willow River, MN 55795
(218) 372-3131
Willow River, MN 55795
(218) 372-3131
Gr: PK-6 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Pine City Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
700 6th Ave Sw
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4212
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4212
Gr: PK-6 | 850 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Hinckley Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
111 Blair Ave S
Hinckley, MN 55037
(320) 384-6443
Hinckley, MN 55037
(320) 384-6443
Gr: PK-6 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: n/an/a
700 6th St S
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4030
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4030
Gr: PK | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: n/an/a
61085 State Highway 23
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6013
Finlayson, MN 55735
(320) 245-6013
Gr: PK-K
Pine County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Pete Seeger Renaissance Charter School (Closed 2018)
Charter School
214 Eagle Drive
Sandstone, MN 55072
(218) 340-5800
Sandstone, MN 55072
(218) 340-5800
Pine City Secondary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1400 Main Street S
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4112
Pine City, MN 55063
(320) 629-4112
Gr: 10-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Pine County Transition Program (Closed 2021)
Special Education School
201 Main St E
Hinckley, MN 55037
(320) 358-1214
Hinckley, MN 55037
(320) 358-1214
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
63842 Ojibwe Rd
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 384-7598
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 384-7598
Gr: K-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Sandstone St. Croix High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
49634 St. Croix Camp Lane
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 245-5214
Sandstone, MN 55072
(320) 245-5214
Gr: 7-12 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Willow River Area Learning Program (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
8142 Pine St
Willow River, MN 55795
(218) 372-3131
Willow River, MN 55795
(218) 372-3131
Gr: 10-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Pine County, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Pine County, MN include Finlayson Elementary School, East Central Elementary School and Willow River Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Pine County?
7 public preschools are located in Pine County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pine County?
Pine County public preschools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 42% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public preschools in Pine County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Pine County include: East Central Elementary School vs. Hinckley Elementary School, Pine City Elementary School vs. Hinckley Elementary School, Hinckley Elementary School vs. East Central Elementary School
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.
