Serving 419 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Northwinds Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 69% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 419 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 6%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwinds Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Northwinds Elementary School's student population of 419 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
419 students
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
The Place to Dream, Believe and Achieve
School Rankings
Northwinds Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwinds Elementary School is 0.12, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#130 out of 1773 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
Hispanic
2%
12%
Black
2%
12%
White
94%
60%
Two or more races
2%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwinds Elementary School's ranking?
Northwinds Elementary School is ranked #130 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Northwinds Elementary School often compared to?
Northwinds Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Discovery Elementary School, Maple Lake Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Northwinds Elementary School?
419 students attend Northwinds Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Northwinds Elementary School students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwinds Elementary School?
Northwinds Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Northwinds Elementary School offer ?
Northwinds Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwinds Elementary School part of?
Northwinds Elementary School is part of Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools.
School Reviews
Review Northwinds Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
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
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
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
