For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 988 students in 56401, MN.
The top-ranked public preschools in 56401, MN are Garfield Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 56401 have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Minnesota public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in 56401, MN have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschool average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best 56401, MN Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Garfield Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1120 10th Ave Ne
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6450
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6450
Gr: PK-4 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Harrison Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1515 Oak St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6500
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6500
Gr: PK-4 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
220 3rd St Nw
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6800
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 454-6800
Gr: PK-4 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Discovery Woods
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
604 N 7th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-8200
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-8200
Gr: PK-6 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in 56401, MN?
The top-ranked public preschools in 56401, MN include Garfield Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in 56401?
4 public preschools are located in 56401.
What is the racial composition of students in 56401?
56401 public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public preschools average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.