For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 647 students in Cook County, MN.
The top-ranked public schools in Cook County, MN are Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School, Cook County Senior High School and Birch Grove Community School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cook County, MN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Minnesota public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Cook County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public school average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cook County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: PK-5 | 192 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Cook County Senior High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 9-12 | 173 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Birch Grove Community School
Charter School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9 Goodneighbor Hill Rd
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-0170
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-0170
Gr: K-5 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
Oshki Ogimaag Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
73 Upper Rd
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2112
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2112
Gr: K-6 | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Cook County Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 6-8 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Great Expectations
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
550 E 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-9322
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-9322
Gr: K-8 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
Cook County Alternative
Alternative School
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Grand Marais Community
Special Education School
101 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2271
Gr: 6-12
Cook County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Box 2242
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-7636
Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-7636
Gr: K-4 | 23 students
73 Upper Road
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2345
Grand Portage, MN 55605
(218) 475-2345
Gr: K-3 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cook County, MN?
The top-ranked public schools in Cook County, MN include Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School, Cook County Senior High School and Birch Grove Community School.
How many public schools are located in Cook County?
8 public schools are located in Cook County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cook County?
Cook County public schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public schools average of 39% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Transportation & Commute Planning Guide
Learn how public school transportation and commute planning can help families prepare for the coming school year safely and efficiently.
New Public School Safety Protocols 2025–26 Guide
Learn how new public school safety protocols for 2025–26 affect students, parents, and schools nationwide.
How Technology Transforms Education in 2025
Explore how technology shapes learning today, with updated data, policy context, trends, and real-world implications for students, educators, and families.
