For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 472 students in Nelson County, ND.
The top ranked public schools in Nelson County, ND are Dakota Prairie Elementary School, Lakota High School and Lakota Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nelson County, ND public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Dakota public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Nelson County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public school average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Nelson County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dakota Prairie Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
101 Nyhus Ave
Mcville, ND 58254
(701) 322-4771
Mcville, ND 58254
(701) 322-4771
Gr: PK-6 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Lakota High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
500 Main St N
Lakota, ND 58344
(701) 247-2992
Lakota, ND 58344
(701) 247-2992
Gr: 7-12 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Lakota Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
316 E Ave East
Lakota, ND 58344
(701) 247-2955
Lakota, ND 58344
(701) 247-2955
Gr: PK-6 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Dakota Prairie High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
518 4th Ave
Petersburg, ND 58272
(701) 345-8233
Petersburg, ND 58272
(701) 345-8233
Gr: 7-12 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Nelson County, ND?
The top ranked public schools in Nelson County, ND include Dakota Prairie Elementary School, Lakota High School and Lakota Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Nelson County?
4 public schools are located in Nelson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Nelson County?
Nelson County public schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public schools average of 29% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
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