For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 618 students in Pierce County, ND (there are , serving 143 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Pierce County, ND are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Pierce County, ND are Rugby High School and Rugby Ely Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pierce County, ND public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Dakota public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Pierce County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of North Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public school average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Pierce County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rugby High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1123 S Main Ave
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-5201
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-5201
Gr: 7-12 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Rugby Ely Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
207 2nd St Sw
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-5757
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-5757
Gr: PK-6 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: n/an/a
1123 South Main Ave
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-5201
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-5201
Gr: 7-12 | 2 students Minority enrollment: 50%
Pierce County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
North Central Area Career & Technical Center (Closed 2018)
Vocational School
1123 S Main Ave
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-7208
Rugby, ND 58368
(701) 776-7208
401 3rd Ave Sw
Wolford, ND 58385
(701) 583-2387
Wolford, ND 58385
(701) 583-2387
Gr: PK-8 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
401 3rd Ave Sw
Wolford, ND 58385
(701) 583-2387
Wolford, ND 58385
(701) 583-2387
Gr: 9-12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Pierce County, ND?
The top-ranked public schools in Pierce County, ND include Rugby High School and Rugby Ely Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Pierce County?
4 public schools are located in Pierce County.
What percentage of students in Pierce County go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Pierce County are educated in public schools (compared to the ND state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pierce County?
Pierce County public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Dakota public schools average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
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.