For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,134 students in Mckenzie County, ND.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Mckenzie County, ND are Horse Creek School, Alexander Elementary School and Badlands Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mckenzie County, ND public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the North Dakota public elementary school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Mckenzie County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Dakota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is more than the North Dakota public elementary school average of 32% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Mckenzie County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Horse Creek School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1812 Horse Creek Rd
Cartwright, ND 58838
(701) 828-3080
Cartwright, ND 58838
(701) 828-3080
Gr: K-8 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #22.
Alexander Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 Delaney St
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Alexander, ND 58831
(701) 828-3334
Gr: PK-6 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Badlands Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
300 3rd St Se
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-5 | 538 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #44.
Fox Hills Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2610 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-5 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #55.
Watford City Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
100 Third St Ne
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: 6-8 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #66.
Mandaree Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
110 3rd St Nw
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: K-8 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: n/an/a
17 Warrior Way
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Mandaree, ND 58757
(701) 759-3311
Gr: K-12 | 219 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: n/an/a
2112 Wolves Den Parkway
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 444-3626
Gr: K-6 | 9 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Mckenzie County, ND?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Mckenzie County, ND include Horse Creek School, Alexander Elementary School and Badlands Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Mckenzie County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Mckenzie County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mckenzie County?
Mckenzie County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is more than the North Dakota public elementary schools average of 32% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Mckenzie County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Mckenzie County include: Badlands Elementary School vs. Alexander Elementary School, Badlands Elementary School vs. Fox Hills Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.