Polk County Schools & Education
Polk County, Minnesota
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,274
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#51
of 87 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Polk County, Minnesota
Education Across Seven Polk Districts
Polk County hosts a robust network of 20 public schools serving 5,002 students. These schools are spread across seven districts, featuring a mix of nine elementary schools and nine high schools to serve the region's expansive geography.
Steady Performance and Graduation Metrics
The county's graduation rate of 86.5% almost perfectly matches the state average of 86.6%. Local spending of $8,274 per pupil is closely aligned with the Minnesota average, supporting a consistent school score of 54.4.
East Grand Forks and Crookston Lead the Way
East Grand Forks Public Schools is the largest district with 1,889 students, followed by the Crookston Public School District with 1,135 students. Despite the variety of districts, no charter schools operate within the county's boundaries.
A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment
Thirteen of the county's schools are located in rural areas, though two suburban locales exist near East Grand Forks. Crookston Secondary is the largest campus at 547 students, while the average school size countywide remains manageable at 278 students.
Relocating for Polk County Schools
From the suburban feel of East Grand Forks to the rural charm of the outlying districts, Polk County offers diverse settings for home buyers. The consistent graduation rates provide peace of mind for families planning their next move.
School Overview
Total Schools
20
in Polk County
Total Enrollment
5,002
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Polk County
East Grand Forks Public Schools
CROOKSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOSSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
FERTILE-BELTRAMI SCHOOL DISTRICT
WIN-E-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT
FISHER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
CLIMAX-SHELLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
20 Public Schools in Polk County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CROOKSTON SECONDARY | CROOKSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 547 |
| EAST GRAND FORKS SENIOR HIGH | East Grand Forks Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 541 |
| NEW HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY | East Grand Forks Public Schools | PK–2 | Primary | 471 |
| CENTRAL MIDDLE | East Grand Forks Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 444 |
| HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY | CROOKSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 1–6 | Primary | 435 |
| SOUTH POINT ELEMENTARY | East Grand Forks Public Schools | 3–5 | Primary | 433 |
| MAGELSSEN ELEMENTARY | FOSSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 343 |
| FOSSTON SECONDARY | FOSSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 278 |
| FERTILE-BELTRAMI ELEMENTARY | FERTILE-BELTRAMI SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 260 |
| FERTILE-BELTRAMI SECONDARY | FERTILE-BELTRAMI SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 244 |
| WIN-E-MAC ELEMENTARY | WIN-E-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 227 |
| WIN-E-MAC SECONDARY | WIN-E-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 205 |
| FISHER ELEMENTARY | FISHER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–6 | Primary | 140 |
| WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY | CROOKSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–KG | Primary | 128 |
| CLIMAX ELEMENTARY | CLIMAX-SHELLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 96 |
| CLIMAX SECONDARY | CLIMAX-SHELLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 93 |
| FISHER SECONDARY | FISHER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | High | 92 |
| CROOKSTON PRE-K PROGRAM | CROOKSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK | Special Education | 25 |
| New Paths Alternative Learning Prgm | CROOKSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | Alternative | 0 |
| NORTHERN LIGHTS ACADEMY | CROOKSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,274
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Polk County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Polk County, Minnesota?
Polk County hosts a robust network of 20 public schools serving 5,002 students. These schools are spread across seven districts, featuring a mix of nine elementary schools and nine high schools to serve the region's expansive geography.
How do schools in Polk County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate of 86.5% almost perfectly matches the state average of 86.6%. Local spending of $8,274 per pupil is closely aligned with the Minnesota average, supporting a consistent school score of 54.4.
What are the major school districts in Polk County, Minnesota?
East Grand Forks Public Schools is the largest district with 1,889 students, followed by the Crookston Public School District with 1,135 students. Despite the variety of districts, no charter schools operate within the county's boundaries.
What is the school experience like in Polk County?
Thirteen of the county's schools are located in rural areas, though two suburban locales exist near East Grand Forks. Crookston Secondary is the largest campus at 547 students, while the average school size countywide remains manageable at 278 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Polk County, Minnesota?
From the suburban feel of East Grand Forks to the rural charm of the outlying districts, Polk County offers diverse settings for home buyers. The consistent graduation rates provide peace of mind for families planning their next move.
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.