For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,811 students in Thief River Falls, MN (there are , serving 136 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Thief River Falls, MN are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Thief River Falls, MN are Challenger Elementary School, Northwest Area Learning Center and Lincoln Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Thief River Falls, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Thief River Falls have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Thief River Falls, MN (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 781 students
Rank: #22.
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
Grades: 9-12
| 29 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: 9-12
| 565 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: 6-8
| 436 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Thief River Falls, Minnesota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
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
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 24 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Thief River Falls, MN?
The top ranked public schools in Thief River Falls, MN include Challenger Elementary School, Northwest Area Learning Center and Lincoln Senior High School.
How many public schools are located in Thief River Falls?
5 public schools are located in Thief River Falls.
What percentage of students in Thief River Falls go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Thief River Falls are educated in public schools (compared to the MN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Thief River Falls?
Thief River Falls public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.