U.S. News and World Report, long known for its rankings of America’s top high schools, has expanded their repertoire in 2021 and started to evaluate the nation’s top elementary and middle schools, releasing their inaugural ranking this December.

Elk River schools led the way for ISD 728, with Salk Middle School in Minnesota and earning a silver status nationally as one of the top middle schools in the country. Likewise, Parker Elementary school was in the top percentile of elementary buildings in Minnesota and also may fly the “Best Elementary Schools” banner courtesy of the magazine.

“We are proud of the work we do throughout our extraordinary District,” said Dr. Dan Bittman, Superintendent of ISD 728. “We appreciate the recognition from U.S. News and know that their criteria examines how we educate our students and, additionally, how ISD 728 supports our communities. This success is the result of teamwork shared by students, staff and families. It’s an honor for our schools to be recognized in this manner and we know it is just the beginning. There is incredible work happening at each and every one of our schools, and I am grateful to be part of it.”

Hassan Elementary, Rogers Elementary, Twin Lakes, Otsego, Westwood, Prairie View, Meadowvale and Lincoln also earned rankings from the periodical.

“Our elementary school principals, teachers, and staff have really answered the call over the past couple of years, in particular, to keep our kids safe, to keep achievement at a high level and to rebuild our school community after so much was interrupted in 2020,” said Mr. . William Campbell, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Educational Services. “This is a testament to them and the work of all of our elementary students, staff and families.”

A complete look at statewide elementary school rankings can be found here. 

Rogers Middle School, Zimmerman Middle School, and VandenBerge Middle School were also honored and received a positive ranking.

“This is a special place to learn, to work and to live,” said Dr. Kari Rock, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Educational Services. “These accolades are just the result of ISD 728 continuing to deliver on its mission and goals for staff, families and students. We appreciate their work.”

A complete look at statewide middle school rankings can be found here.