Baxter’s public schools outscore 69% of Minnesota districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Baxter, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Minnesota, not nationally.
From Minnesota state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Baxter’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 55% and math 50% in spring 2022, against 51% and 45% statewide; 86% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 83%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,555 per student, against $17,091 across Minnesota (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 5 the district’s path is Forestview Middle, then Brainerd Senior High. Enrollment is down 5% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Lake Region Christian School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Baxter’s grade
B+: better than 69% of Minnesota school districts, #138 of 274 Minnesota towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Minnesota average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Baxter, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Baxter · depends on your address
Baxter Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Welc - VPK
Grades PK · 215 students
Kindergarten in Baxter
Baxter Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Baxter
Baxter Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Baxter
Baxter Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Baxter
Baxter Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Baxter
Baxter Elementary
Grades PK–4 · 506 students · 15:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Baxter
Forestview Middle
Grades 5–8 · 1,626 students · 16:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Baxter
Forestview Middle
Grades 5–8 · 1,626 students · 16:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Baxter
Forestview Middle
Grades 5–8 · 1,626 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Baxter
Forestview Middle
Grades 5–8 · 1,626 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Baxter
Brainerd Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 1,805 students · 20:1 students per teacher · in Brainerd
10th grade in Baxter
Brainerd Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 1,805 students · 20:1 students per teacher · in Brainerd
Baxter’s public schools are run by Brainerd Public School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Above the state in reading
Baxter vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Minnesota towns that share Baxter’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Baxter | B+ | Brainerd Public |
| Crow Wing | B+ | Brainerd Public |
| Brainerd | B+ | Brainerd Public |
| Fort Ripley | B+ | Brainerd Public |
| Sylvan | A− | Pillager Public |
3 of the 4 neighbors share Brainerd Public with Baxter, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Baxter
6 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Minnesota’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Baxter’s schools
Are Baxter’s schools good?
By Minnesota’s own tests, yes: the public schools Baxter children attend outscore 69% of Minnesota’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #138 of 274 Minnesota towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 70%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Baxter in?
Brainerd Public School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 6,079 students in 13 schools (2024–25).
Where do Baxter kids go to high school?
Brainerd Senior High in Brainerd, with 1,805 students; its own test results earn a B+.
What is Baxter’s graduation rate?
86% of the class of 2023 in Brainerd Public School District graduated in four years, against 83% across Minnesota.
How much does Baxter spend per student?
$15,555 in Brainerd Public School District (FY2024), against $17,091 across Minnesota. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Baxter?
Yes: Lake Region Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 293 students).
Parents talk
What Baxter families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Baxter → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Minnesota. Stars are from neighbors.