Best Benton County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,730 students in Benton County, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, MN are Foley Elementary School, Rice Elementary School and Pleasantview Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton County, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in Benton County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public Preschools in Benton County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Foley Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
743 Penn St
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-7286
Gr: PK-3 | 552 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Rice Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
200 Ne 3rd Ave
Rice, MN 56367
(320) 393-2177
Gr: PK-5 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Pleasantview Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1009 N 6th Ave
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 253-0506
Gr: PK-5 | 734 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Hillside Early Childhood Center
Special Education School
30 Fourth Ave S
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 255-8910
Gr: PK | 58 students Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
Sauk Rapids Ecfe
Alternative School
30 4th Ave S
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 258-1101
Gr: PK

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Benton County, MN include Foley Elementary School, Rice Elementary School and Pleasantview Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Benton County?
5 public preschools are located in Benton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Benton County?
Benton County public preschools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links