Carlton County Schools & Education
Carlton County, Minnesota
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,205
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#35
of 87 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Carlton County, Minnesota
A Solid Network of Local Schools
Carlton County maintains 23 public schools across 8 districts, serving a total of 6,236 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 10 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 10 high schools.
Graduation Rates Outpace National Benchmarks
The county boasts an 89.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average and the 86.6% state average. This success comes despite a leaner per-pupil expenditure of $8,205 compared to the state average of $8,463.
Cloquet Leads the County Districts
The Cloquet Public School District is the largest provider, enrolling 2,641 students across 8 different schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's public system.
A Mix of Town and Rural Learning
Schooling here primarily happens in town settings (15 schools) and rural areas (8 schools). While Cloquet Senior High is the largest campus with 800 students, the average school size remains intimate at 283 students.
Plant Roots Near High-Performing Schools
With graduation rates exceeding state norms, Carlton County is an attractive destination for families. Explore homes near top-rated campuses like Winterquist Elementary to secure a spot in these successful districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
23
in Carlton County
Total Enrollment
6,236
students
School Districts
8
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
8 School Districts in Carlton County
CLOQUET PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
ESKO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
BARNUM PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
MOOSE LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
WRENSHALL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
CARLTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
CROMWELL-WRIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Northern Lights Academy Cooperative
23 Public Schools in Carlton County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLOQUET SENIOR | CLOQUET PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 800 |
| CLOQUET MIDDLE | CLOQUET PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 780 |
| WINTERQUIST ELEMENTARY | ESKO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 670 |
| LINCOLN SECONDARY | ESKO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 608 |
| WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY | CLOQUET PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 500 |
| CHURCHILL ELEMENTARY | CLOQUET PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 376 |
| BARNUM SECONDARY | BARNUM PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 363 |
| BARNUM ELEMENTARY | BARNUM PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 333 |
| MOOSE LAKE ELEMENTARY | MOOSE LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 309 |
| MOOSE LAKE SECONDARY | MOOSE LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 291 |
| WRENSHALL SECONDARY | WRENSHALL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 176 |
| CARLTON SECONDARY | CARLTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | High | 175 |
| WRENSHALL ELEMENTARY | WRENSHALL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 175 |
| SOUTH TERRACE ELEMENTARY | CARLTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 167 |
| CROMWELL-WRIGHT SECONDARY | CROMWELL-WRIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 156 |
| CROMWELL-WRIGHT ELEMENTARY | CROMWELL-WRIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 149 |
| CLOQUET EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | CLOQUET PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Special Education | 95 |
| CLOQUET AREA ALT. ED. PROGRAMS | CLOQUET PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | Alternative | 87 |
| Northern Lights Academy | Northern Lights Academy Cooperative | KG–12 | Special Education | 16 |
| Northern Lights Academy Cooperative | Northern Lights Academy Cooperative | KG–3 | Special Education | 5 |
Northern Lights Academy Cooperative
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,205
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Carlton County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Carlton County, Minnesota?
Carlton County maintains 23 public schools across 8 districts, serving a total of 6,236 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 10 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 10 high schools.
How do schools in Carlton County perform academically?
The county boasts an 89.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average and the 86.6% state average. This success comes despite a leaner per-pupil expenditure of $8,205 compared to the state average of $8,463.
What are the major school districts in Carlton County, Minnesota?
The Cloquet Public School District is the largest provider, enrolling 2,641 students across 8 different schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's public system.
What is the school experience like in Carlton County?
Schooling here primarily happens in town settings (15 schools) and rural areas (8 schools). While Cloquet Senior High is the largest campus with 800 students, the average school size remains intimate at 283 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Carlton County, Minnesota?
With graduation rates exceeding state norms, Carlton County is an attractive destination for families. Explore homes near top-rated campuses like Winterquist Elementary to secure a spot in these successful districts.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.