Sherburne County Schools & Education
Sherburne County, Minnesota
School Score
67/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
93.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,570
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
67/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#20
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Explore Sherburne County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Sherburne County, Minnesota
A Comprehensive and High-Performing System
Sherburne County manages a robust educational network of 43 public schools and 5 districts, serving 16,192 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 16 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 16 high schools. This extensive system also includes 9 alternative schools to support diverse learning paths.
Leading the State in Graduation Rates
The county's graduation rate of 93.7% is exceptionally high, far outperforming the Minnesota average of 86.6%. Educators achieve these marks with a lean per-pupil spend of $7,570, well below the state average of $8,463. A school score of 56.7 further confirms that Sherburne County schools are delivering high value for their investment.
Elk River District Dominates the Region
The Elk River Public School District is the county's largest by far, serving 14,152 students across 31 schools. Big Lake and Becker also maintain significant presences, with 3,204 and 2,863 students respectively. Four charter schools operate within the county, offering specialized alternatives for nearly 10% of the total school count.
Suburban Comfort with Diverse Settings
The county's schools are mostly suburban (23) or town-based (16), though a few city and rural options exist. Elk River Senior High is the largest school with 1,637 students, while the average school size is a manageable 405 students. This mix allows for a variety of educational atmospheres, from large comprehensive campuses to smaller community schools.
Secure a Bright Future in Sherburne
With a 93.7% graduation rate, Sherburne County is one of the strongest regions for academic success in Minnesota. Families often flock to Elk River and Big Lake for their reputable schools and high-performing districts. Start your home search here to ensure your children have access to top-tier graduation prospects and diverse school choices.
School Overview
Total Schools
43
in Sherburne County
Total Enrollment
16,192
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
4
9% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Sherburne County
Elk River Public School District
BIG LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECTRUM HIGH SCHOOL
Three Rivers Montessori School
43 Public Schools in Sherburne County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELK RIVER SENIOR HIGH | Elk River Public School District | 9–12 | High | 1,637 |
| BIG LAKE SENIOR HIGH | BIG LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 899 |
| BECKER SENIOR HIGH | BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9–12 | High | 879 |
| LIBERTY ELEMENTARY | BIG LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–2 | Primary | 806 |
| ZIMMERMAN HIGH SCHOOL | Elk River Public School District | 9–12 | High | 707 |
| TWIN LAKES ELEMENTARY | Elk River Public School District | KG–5 | Primary | 705 |
| BIG LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL | BIG LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 686 |
| BECKER INTERMEDIATE ELEMENTARY | BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 3–5 | Primary | 666 |
| INDEPENDENCE ELEMENTARY | BIG LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 3–5 | Primary | 660 |
| SALK MIDDLE SCHOOL | Elk River Public School District | 6–8 | Middle | 657 |
| BECKER PRIMARY | BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–2 | Primary | 652 |
| BECKER MIDDLE | BECKER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–8 | Middle | 650 |
| TALAHI COMMUNITY ELEMENTARY | ST. CLOUD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–2 | Primary | 563 |
| LINCOLN ELEMENTARY | Elk River Public School District | KG–5 | Primary | 557 |
| WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY | Elk River Public School District | 3–5 | Primary | 543 |
| MEADOWVALE ELEMENTARY | Elk River Public School District | KG–5 | Primary | 542 |
| ZIMMERMAN MIDDLE | Elk River Public School District | 6–8 | Middle | 531 |
| PARKER ELEMENTARY | Elk River Public School District | KG–5 | Primary | 530 |
| ZIMMERMAN ELEMENTARY | Elk River Public School District | KG–2 | Primary | 522 |
| VANDENBERGE MIDDLE SCHOOL | Elk River Public School District | 6–8 | Middle | 512 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,570
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Sherburne County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Sherburne County, Minnesota?
Sherburne County manages a robust educational network of 43 public schools and 5 districts, serving 16,192 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 16 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 16 high schools. This extensive system also includes 9 alternative schools to support diverse learning paths.
How do schools in Sherburne County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate of 93.7% is exceptionally high, far outperforming the Minnesota average of 86.6%. Educators achieve these marks with a lean per-pupil spend of $7,570, well below the state average of $8,463. A school score of 56.7 further confirms that Sherburne County schools are delivering high value for their investment.
What are the major school districts in Sherburne County, Minnesota?
The Elk River Public School District is the county's largest by far, serving 14,152 students across 31 schools. Big Lake and Becker also maintain significant presences, with 3,204 and 2,863 students respectively. Four charter schools operate within the county, offering specialized alternatives for nearly 10% of the total school count.
What is the school experience like in Sherburne County?
The county's schools are mostly suburban (23) or town-based (16), though a few city and rural options exist. Elk River Senior High is the largest school with 1,637 students, while the average school size is a manageable 405 students. This mix allows for a variety of educational atmospheres, from large comprehensive campuses to smaller community schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Sherburne County, Minnesota?
With a 93.7% graduation rate, Sherburne County is one of the strongest regions for academic success in Minnesota. Families often flock to Elk River and Big Lake for their reputable schools and high-performing districts. Start your home search here to ensure your children have access to top-tier graduation prospects and diverse school choices.
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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.