Best Forest Lake Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 889 students in Forest Lake, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in Forest Lake, MN are Columbus Elementary School, Lila Kinder Center and Forest View Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Forest Lake, MN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in Forest Lake have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public Preschools in Forest Lake, MN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Columbus Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
17345 Notre Dame St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8900
Gr: PK-6 | 441 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Lila Kinder Center
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 75-79% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
121 Se 11th Ave
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-0771
Gr: PK-K
Rank: #33.
Forest View Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
620 Sw 4th St
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8200
Gr: PK-3 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: n/an/a
Early Childhood Special Education
Special Education School
943 Sw 9th Avenue
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 982-8129
Gr: PK | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 26%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Forest Lake, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in Forest Lake, MN include Columbus Elementary School, Lila Kinder Center and Forest View Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Forest Lake?
4 public preschools are located in Forest Lake.
What is the racial composition of students in Forest Lake?
Forest Lake public preschools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public preschools in Forest Lake are often viewed compared to one another?

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