Best Carlton County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public high schools serving 2,785 students in Carlton County, MN.
The top-ranked public high schools in Carlton County, MN are Lincoln Secondary, Cromwell-wright Secondary and Cloquet Senior. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carlton County, MN public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Minnesota public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Carlton County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Minnesota public high schools.
Carlton County, MN public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the Minnesota average of 83%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Lincoln Secondary, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Minnesota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public high school average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public High Schools in Carlton County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lincoln Secondary
(Math: 58% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2 E Highway 61
Esko, MN 55733
(218) 879-4673
Gr: 7-12 | 603 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Cromwell-wright Secondary
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
5624 Highway 210
Cromwell, MN 55726
(218) 644-3716
Gr: 7-12 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Cloquet Senior
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1000 18th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-3393
Gr: 9-12 | 761 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #44.
Barnum Secondary
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3675 County Rd 13
Barnum, MN 55707
(218) 389-3273
Gr: 7-12 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Moose Lake Secondary
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4812 County Rd 10
Moose Lake, MN 55767
(218) 485-4435
Gr: 7-12 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #66.
Northern Lights Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
302 14th Street
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 878-3060
Gr: K-12 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #77.
Carlton Secondary
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
405 School Ave
Carlton, MN 55718
(218) 384-4226
Gr: 6-12 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #88.
Wrenshall Secondary
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
207 Pioneer Dr
Wrenshall, MN 55797
(218) 384-4274
Gr: 7-12 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #99.
Cloquet Area Alt. Ed. Programs
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
302 14th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-0115
Gr: 6-12 | 74 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: n/an/a
Caaep Extended Day Program
Alternative School
302 14th St
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 879-0115
Gr: 9-12 | 7 students Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: n/an/a
49 University Road
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 878-7242
Gr: K-12 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: n/an/a
Mcf-moose Lake/willow River
Alternative School
1000 Lakeshore Dr
Moose Lake, MN 55767
(218) 485-5025
Gr: 9-12 | 3 students
Rank: n/an/a
Nla-carlton
Special Education School
405 School Ave
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 878-3060
Gr: 3-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 26%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Carlton County, MN?
The top-ranked public high schools in Carlton County, MN include Lincoln Secondary, Cromwell-wright Secondary and Cloquet Senior.
How many public high schools are located in Carlton County?
14 public high schools are located in Carlton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carlton County?
Carlton County public high schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Minnesota public high schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public high schools in Carlton County are often viewed compared to one another?

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