For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public charter schools serving 725 students in Rice County, MN.
The top ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN are Prairie Creek Community School, Arcadia Charter School and Nerstrand Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rice County, MN public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Minnesota public charter school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 42% statewide average). Charter schools in Rice County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public charter school average of 65% (majority Black).
Best ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Charter Schools in Rice County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Prairie Creek Community School
Charter School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
27695 Denmark Ave
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-9640
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-9640
Gr: K-5 | 179 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Arcadia Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1719 Cannon Rd
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8806
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8806
Gr: 6-12 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Nerstrand Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
205 S 2nd St
Nerstrand, MN 55053
(507) 333-6850
Nerstrand, MN 55053
(507) 333-6850
Gr: K-5 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Cannon River Stem School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1800 14th St Ne
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-7836
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-7836
Gr: K-8 | 234 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
Discovery ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School - Faribault
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
126 8th Street Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-5423
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 331-5423
Gr: 6-12 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: n/an/a
Surad Academy
Charter School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 805-2335
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 805-2335
Gr: K-5 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rice County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Alexander Learning Academy (Closed 2024)
Special Education School
200 Western Ave Nw Suite A
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 209-2030
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 209-2030
Gr: K-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Area Lrng. Cntr. Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
201 Orchard Street S
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-1200
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 645-1200
Gr: K-8
Cannon River Education Center S.u.n (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Gr: K-12 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Cannon River Sec Transition Ed Prog High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Gr: 12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Early Childhood Family Education Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
930 Nw 4th Ave
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6800
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6800
Gr: PK
Early Childhood Special Education (Closed 2024)
Special Education School
710 17th St Sw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6460
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6460
Gr: PK | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Elementary Summer Targeted Services (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
2855 1st Avenue Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 533-6187
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 533-6187
Gr: K-5
Elementary Targeted Services (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
2855 Nw 1st Avenue
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6187
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6187
Gr: K-5
710 17th St Sw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6000
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6000
Gr: K-5 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Faribault Targeted Services Middle School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
704 17th Street Sw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6187
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6187
Gr: 6-8
Focus (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Gr: 4-12 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
1000 Idaho St Sw
Lonsdale, MN 55046
(507) 744-4001
Lonsdale, MN 55046
(507) 744-4001
Gr: PK-5 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Reflections (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
128 8th Ave Nw
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-6480
Gr: K-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
1100 Bollenbacher Court
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8990
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-8990
Gr: K-12 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN?
The top ranked public charter schools in Rice County, MN include Prairie Creek Community School, Arcadia Charter School and Nerstrand Charter School.
How many public charter schools are located in Rice County?
6 public charter schools are located in Rice County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rice County?
Rice County public charter schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Minnesota public charter schools average of 65% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Rice County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in Rice County include: Nerstrand Charter School vs. Prairie Creek Community School, Prairie Creek Community School vs. Nerstrand Charter School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.