For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,701 students in Buffalo, MN.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN are Northwinds Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School and Buffalo Community Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buffalo, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Buffalo have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Buffalo, MN (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Northwinds Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1111 7th Ave Nw
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8800
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8800
Grades: K-5
| 408 students
Rank: #22.
Parkside Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
207 3rd St Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8500
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8500
Grades: PK-5
| 340 students
Rank: #33.
Buffalo Community Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1300 Hwy 25 N
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8200
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8200
Grades: 6-8
| 1,140 students
Rank: #44.
Eastern Wright Program
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1405 3rd Ave. Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Grades: 5-8
| 8 students
Rank: #55.
Discovery Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
301 2nd Ave Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8400
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8400
Grades: K-5
| 256 students
Rank: #66.
Terra Nova School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1705 Highway 25 N
Buffalo, MN 55313
(952) 852-0129
Buffalo, MN 55313
(952) 852-0129
Grades: 6-12
| 110 students
Rank: #77.
Tatanka Elementary Stem School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
703 8th St Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8600
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8600
Grades: K-5
| 420 students
Rank: #88.
Cornerstones Program
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1405 3rd Ave. Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Grades: 6-12
| 16 students
Rank: #99.
Wright Technical Center Alc Middle School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1405 3rd Ave Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Grades: 6-8
| 3 students
Buffalo, Minnesota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Wright Technical Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1400 N Highway 25
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Grades: K-8
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN include Northwinds Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School and Buffalo Community Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Buffalo?
9 public elementary schools are located in Buffalo.
What is the racial composition of students in Buffalo?
Buffalo public elementary schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Buffalo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Buffalo include: Discovery Elementary School vs. Northwinds Elementary School, Tatanka Elementary Stem School vs. Northwinds Elementary School, Northwinds Elementary School vs. Discovery Elementary School
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.