Swift County Schools & Education
Swift County, Minnesota
School Score
65/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
93.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,524
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,463
School Score
65/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#21
of 87 counties (1 = best)
Explore Swift County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Swift County, Minnesota
Swift County’s Specialized School Infrastructure
Swift County features a tailored educational system with 8 public schools serving 1,838 students. The county’s 3 districts manage 3 elementary schools and 5 high schools, with no dedicated middle schools. This structure often leads to earlier transitions into secondary education programs.
Exceptional Graduation Rates and School Scores
Swift County delivers an outstanding 93.1% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national average and the 86.6% state average. The county achieves these results with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,524. A school score of 56.3 indicates academic quality that is significantly higher than the national median.
Leading Districts in the Swift Region
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg is the largest district by enrollment, serving 824 students, closely followed by the Benson Public School District. There are no charter schools in Swift County, so families rely on these established local districts. Each district offers a mix of traditional and alternative high school options.
Small-Town Feel with Rural Roots
Swift County schools are split between 5 rural locales and 3 town settings, providing a classic Midwestern academic atmosphere. Murdock Elementary is the largest school in the county with 437 students. With an average school size of only 263, students enjoy a tightly-knit community where everyone knows their name.
Your Future Home in a High-Achieving County
Swift County’s exceptional graduation rates make it a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Buying a home in the Kerkhoven or Benson areas places you in districts that prioritize academic outcomes and community connection. Start your home search where student success is a proven reality.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Swift County
Total Enrollment
1,838
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Swift County
KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG
BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lac qui Parle Valley Schools
8 Public Schools in Swift County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MURDOCK ELEMENTARY | KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG | PK–6 | Primary | 437 |
| NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY | BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | PK–5 | Primary | 406 |
| KERKHOVEN SECONDARY | KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG | 7–12 | High | 387 |
| BENSON SECONDARY | BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 6–12 | High | 353 |
| APPLETON ELEMENTARY | Lac qui Parle Valley Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 206 |
| BENSON AREA LEARNING CENTER | BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | Alternative | 25 |
| HEARTLAND GIRLS RANCH | BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | 7–12 | Alternative | 24 |
| KMS Learning Center | Region 6 and 8-SW/WC Service Coop | 7–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,524
State avg $8,463
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Swift County, Minnesota — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Swift County, Minnesota?
Swift County features a tailored educational system with 8 public schools serving 1,838 students. The county’s 3 districts manage 3 elementary schools and 5 high schools, with no dedicated middle schools. This structure often leads to earlier transitions into secondary education programs.
How do schools in Swift County perform academically?
Swift County delivers an outstanding 93.1% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national average and the 86.6% state average. The county achieves these results with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,524. A school score of 56.3 indicates academic quality that is significantly higher than the national median.
What are the major school districts in Swift County, Minnesota?
Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg is the largest district by enrollment, serving 824 students, closely followed by the Benson Public School District. There are no charter schools in Swift County, so families rely on these established local districts. Each district offers a mix of traditional and alternative high school options.
What is the school experience like in Swift County?
Swift County schools are split between 5 rural locales and 3 town settings, providing a classic Midwestern academic atmosphere. Murdock Elementary is the largest school in the county with 437 students. With an average school size of only 263, students enjoy a tightly-knit community where everyone knows their name.
How can I find homes near good schools in Swift County, Minnesota?
Swift County’s exceptional graduation rates make it a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Buying a home in the Kerkhoven or Benson areas places you in districts that prioritize academic outcomes and community connection. Start your home search where student success is a proven reality.
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.