Itasca County Schools & Education
Itasca County, Minnesota
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,441
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
57/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#37
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Explore Itasca County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Itasca County, Minnesota
Comprehensive Schooling in the North
Itasca County manages a robust educational system of 24 public schools serving 6,629 students. Six districts coordinate a mix of 8 elementary, 3 middle, and 10 high schools. This infrastructure is designed to serve a large geographic area with diverse educational needs.
Strong Investment and Academic Success
Itasca County achieves a graduation rate of 86.8%, slightly exceeding the Minnesota state average. The county prioritizes education with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,441, which is roughly $1,000 more than the state average. These efforts result in a high composite school score of 57.1.
Grand Rapids Public Schools Anchor the Area
The Grand Rapids Public School District is the largest by far, with 11 schools and 4,023 students. Greenway and Deer River districts provide significant secondary options, together serving nearly 2,000 additional students. Charter schools are rare here, with only one such facility representing about 4% of the county's total.
Rural Schools with Strong Town Hubs
With 17 rural schools and 7 town-based campuses, the county averages about 301 students per school. Grand Rapids Senior High is the largest facility, hosting 1,129 students in a town setting. Many students attend smaller rural high schools like Deer River Secondary, which provides a more close-knit community feel.
Invest in Your Family's Future
Itasca County offers a high level of per-pupil investment that translates into strong graduation rates and school scores. Families should explore homes in Grand Rapids to be near the county's largest educational and extracurricular hubs. This region is perfect for those who want a rural lifestyle backed by well-funded public schools.
School Overview
Total Schools
24
in Itasca County
Total Enrollment
6,629
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
1
4% of total
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Itasca County
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
GREENWAY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
DEER RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
NASHWAUK-KEEWATIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
NORTHERN LIGHTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Infinity: Minnesota Digital Academy
24 Public Schools in Itasca County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND RAPIDS SENIOR HIGH | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 1,129 |
| ROBERT J. ELKINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 747 |
| East Rapids Elementary | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 681 |
| West Rapids Elementary | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 604 |
| DEER RIVER SECONDARY | DEER RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | High | 443 |
| KING ELEMENTARY | DEER RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 424 |
| VANDYKE ELEMENTARY | GREENWAY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–4 | Primary | 414 |
| Keewatin-Nashwauk Elementary School | NASHWAUK-KEEWATIN SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 332 |
| GREENWAY SENIOR HIGH | GREENWAY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 320 |
| GREENWAY MIDDLE | GREENWAY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Middle | 302 |
| COHASSET ELEMENTARY | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | KG–5 | Primary | 280 |
| NASHWAUK SECONDARY | NASHWAUK-KEEWATIN SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 249 |
| BIGFORK ELEMENTARY | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 157 |
| BIGFORK SECONDARY | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 126 |
| GRAND RAPIDS AREA LEARNING CENTER | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 8–12 | Alternative | 119 |
| GRAND RAPIDS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Special Education | 87 |
| NORTHERN LIGHTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL | NORTHERN LIGHTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL | 6–12 | Charter | 82 |
| MIDDLE AREA LEARNING CENTER | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 5–8 | Alternative | 53 |
| ITASKIN EDUCATION CENTER | GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 4–12 | Alternative | 40 |
| MARBLE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER | GREENWAY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Other | 22 |
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,441
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Itasca County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Itasca County, Minnesota?
Itasca County manages a robust educational system of 24 public schools serving 6,629 students. Six districts coordinate a mix of 8 elementary, 3 middle, and 10 high schools. This infrastructure is designed to serve a large geographic area with diverse educational needs.
How do schools in Itasca County perform academically?
Itasca County achieves a graduation rate of 86.8%, slightly exceeding the Minnesota state average. The county prioritizes education with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,441, which is roughly $1,000 more than the state average. These efforts result in a high composite school score of 57.1.
What are the major school districts in Itasca County, Minnesota?
The Grand Rapids Public School District is the largest by far, with 11 schools and 4,023 students. Greenway and Deer River districts provide significant secondary options, together serving nearly 2,000 additional students. Charter schools are rare here, with only one such facility representing about 4% of the county's total.
What is the school experience like in Itasca County?
With 17 rural schools and 7 town-based campuses, the county averages about 301 students per school. Grand Rapids Senior High is the largest facility, hosting 1,129 students in a town setting. Many students attend smaller rural high schools like Deer River Secondary, which provides a more close-knit community feel.
How can I find homes near good schools in Itasca County, Minnesota?
Itasca County offers a high level of per-pupil investment that translates into strong graduation rates and school scores. Families should explore homes in Grand Rapids to be near the county's largest educational and extracurricular hubs. This region is perfect for those who want a rural lifestyle backed by well-funded public schools.
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.