For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,364 students in Swift County, MN.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Swift County, MN are Murdock Elementary School, Northside Elementary School and Appleton-milan Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swift County, MN public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Minnesota public elementary school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Swift County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Minnesota public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary school average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Swift County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Murdock Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
408 Hollis St N
Murdock, MN 56271
(320) 875-2441
Murdock, MN 56271
(320) 875-2441
Gr: PK-6 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1800 Nevada Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: PK-5 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Appleton-milan Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
349 S Edquist St
Appleton, MN 56208
(320) 289-1114
Appleton, MN 56208
(320) 289-1114
Gr: PK-4 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #44.
Benson Secondary
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Montana Ave
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Benson, MN 56215
(320) 843-2710
Gr: 6-12 | 334 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Swift County, MN?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Swift County, MN include Murdock Elementary School, Northside Elementary School and Appleton-milan Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Swift County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Swift County.
What is the racial composition of students in Swift County?
Swift County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Minnesota public elementary schools average of 41% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.