For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,701 students in Buffalo, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN are Northwinds Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School and Buffalo Community Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buffalo, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Buffalo have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Buffalo, MN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwinds Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1111 7th Ave Nw
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8800
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8800
Gr: K-5 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Parkside Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
207 3rd St Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8500
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8500
Gr: PK-5 | 340 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Buffalo Community Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1300 Hwy 25 N
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8200
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8200
Gr: 6-8 | 1,140 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Eastern Wright Program
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1405 3rd Ave. Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Gr: 5-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #55.
Discovery Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
301 2nd Ave Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8400
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8400
Gr: K-5 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #66.
Tatanka Elementary Stem School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
703 8th St Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8600
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-8600
Gr: K-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #77.
Cornerstones Program
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1405 3rd Ave. Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Buffalo, MN 55313
(320) 543-1122
Gr: 6-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #88.
Wright Technical Center Alc Middle School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1405 3rd Ave Ne
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Gr: 6-8 | 3 students
Rank: #99.
Terra Nova School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1705 Highway 25 N
Buffalo, MN 55313
(952) 852-0129
Buffalo, MN 55313
(952) 852-0129
Gr: 6-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Buffalo, Minnesota Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Wright Technical Targeted Services Elementary School (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
1400 N Highway 25
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-4112
Gr: K-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Buffalo, MN include Northwinds Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School and Buffalo Community Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Buffalo?
9 public elementary schools are located in Buffalo.
What is the racial composition of students in Buffalo?
Buffalo public elementary schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Buffalo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Buffalo include: Discovery Elementary School vs. Northwinds Elementary School, Northwinds Elementary School vs. Discovery Elementary School
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