One of the most important choices parents make is which elementary school to send their child to. Minneapolis has many great options for families looking for a good education. The city is known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich culture, and dedication to academic excellence. It continues to invest in early learning. This guide from 2026 lists the best elementary schools in Minneapolis. It helps parents understand what matters most in terms of academic performance, class sizes, and community factors.
How We Picked the Best Elementary Schools in Minneapolis
We used a number of data points that parents care about most to rate the schools on this list. These included reading and math proficiency, student-teacher ratios, total enrollment, and the overall learning environment. We also considered parents’ opinions, how accessible enrichment programs were, the school’s safety, and how well the school supported students. These factors present a favorable overall picture of the quality of elementary education in Minneapolis.
1. Lake Harriet Upper Elementary
Address: 4912 Vincent Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55410
There are 18 students for every teacher.
People know Lake Harriet Upper Elementary for its balanced approach to academics and student growth. The school puts a lot of stress on critical thinking, working together, and being creative. This makes it a wonderful choice for families looking for a supportive upper-elementary school in a well-established neighborhood.
2. Yinghua Academy
Address: 1616 Buchanan St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
The ratio of students to teachers is 16 to 1.
Yinghua Academy offers a unique Chinese immersion program that aids students in learning core subjects and fostering bilingualism. This school is especially appealing to families who want their kids to learn languages and about the world because the classes are smaller, which lets teachers provide more personalized lessons.
3. Field Elementary School
Address: 4645 Fourth Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
There are 18 students for every teacher.
Field Elementary School is a welcoming place to learn that focuses on literacy, math, and social-emotional growth. People think highly of the school because the teachers are very involved, and there is a strong sense of community that helps both students and families.
4. The Elementary School in Waite Park
Address: 1800 34th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
There are 16 students for every teacher.
Waite Park Elementary offers a more personalized learning experience due to its lower student-teacher ratio. The school is popular in Northeast Minneapolis because it focuses on family involvement, academic success, and inclusive education.
5. Barton Elementary School
Address: 4237 Colfax Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55409
There are 17 students for every teacher.
Barton Elementary is known for being a caring place to learn and for always doing well in school. In the early grades, teachers focus on helping students build strong basic skills while also encouraging them to be curious and confident.
6. Kenny School
Address: 5720 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
There are 18 students for every teacher.
Kenny Elementary has a lot of school pride and a lot of academic rigor. Families like that: the school focuses on reading, math, and enrichment programs that help students grow in all areas.
7. The School of Armatage
Address: 2501 W 56th St, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
For every 17 students, there is one teacher.
Armatage Elementary School is known for having a helpful learning environment and teachers who have been there for a long time. The school values working together with parents and teachers, doing well in school, and being respectful.
8. Elementary School Boroughs
Address: 1601 W 50th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419
There are 18 students for every teacher.
Burroughs Elementary gives students a strong academic base and support in the classroom all the time. The school’s small class sizes help make sure that each student gets the help they need to become more independent and confident.
Student Support and Academic Performance
Minneapolis elementary schools put a lot of stress on reading and basic math skills by the time students reach third grade. Many schools offer help for English Language Learners (ELL), gifted students, and students with disabilities, as well as intervention specialists. We also include social-emotional learning in our daily lessons to help students do well in school and in life.
Size of the class, number of students, and quality of the teacher
The size of a class is crucial for how well students do. Schools with fewer students per teacher can give each student more one-on-one attention, especially in the early grades. Minneapolis elementary schools have trained, licensed teachers who receive ongoing professional development to help meet the needs of all kinds of learners.
Family, community, and where you live
Minneapolis is a wonderful place for families to live because it has parks, libraries, museums, and seasonal activities. Being close to community resources and fun things to do in Minneapolis is good for a child’s overall growth. It helps them live a balanced life that supports learning both inside and outside of school
Advice for Parents: Picking an Elementary School
Parents should visit schools, engage with teachers and administrators, and inquire about the curriculum, student support systems, and available extracurricular activities. It’s just as important to look at test scores as it is to watch how students interact in class and learn about the school’s culture.
Conclusion
Minneapolis is still a wonderful place for early education, with a lot of high-quality elementary schools and communities that are involved in them. Rankings can help you make a decision, but the best choice for your child will depend on their needs, learning style, and interests. Families can find a school that helps them do well in school and grow as people by carefully looking at their options. The best elementary schools in Minneapolis are a great place to start for long-term educational success.
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