Dayton’s public schools outscore 72% of Minnesota districts
In Dayton, 52% of tested students are proficient in math, above the Minnesota average (45%). The grade covers the public school district serving Dayton, 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 92% 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.
Dayton’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 344 Minnesota towns with household incomes within a quarter of Dayton’s, its schools beat 53%, lower than their 72% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 55% and math 52% in spring 2022, against 51% and 45% statewide; 87% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 83%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $16,135 per student, against $17,091 across Minnesota (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then six middle and five high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
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 Dayton’s grade
B+: better than 72% of Minnesota school districts, #120 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 Dayton, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Dayton
Dayton Elementary
Grades K–5 · 556 students · 13:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Dayton
Dayton Elementary
Grades K–5 · 556 students · 13:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Dayton
Dayton Elementary
Grades K–5 · 556 students · 13:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Dayton
Dayton Elementary
Grades K–5 · 556 students · 13:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Dayton
Dayton Elementary
Grades K–5 · 556 students · 13:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Dayton
Dayton Elementary
Grades K–5 · 556 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Dayton’s public schools are run by Anoka-Hennepin Public School District, which also serves Andover, Anoka, Blaine and Brooklyn Park and others. Parts of Dayton (13% and 8% of its land) are served by Elk River and Osseo Public instead. 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
Dayton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Minnesota towns that share Dayton’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Dayton | B+ | Anoka-Hennepin Public |
| Ramsey | A− | Anoka-Hennepin Public PK–12 · Elk River PK–12 |
| Otsego | A | Elk River PK–12 · St. Michael-Albertville PK–12 |
| Rogers | A | Elk River |
| Champlin | B+ | Anoka-Hennepin Public |
| Elk River | A | Elk River |
| Maple Grove | B− | Osseo Public |
| Anoka | B+ | Anoka-Hennepin Public |
3 of the 7 neighbors share Anoka-Hennepin Public with Dayton, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Dayton
12 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 Dayton’s schools
Are Dayton’s schools good?
By Minnesota’s own tests, yes: the public schools Dayton children attend outscore 72% of Minnesota’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #120 of 274 Minnesota towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 53%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Dayton in?
Anoka-Hennepin Public School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 38,354 students in 50 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Dayton are served by Elk River and Osseo Public.
Where do Dayton kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: Blaine High School, Champlin Park High School, Anoka High School, Coon Rapids High School and Andover High School.
What is Dayton’s graduation rate?
87% of the class of 2023 in Anoka-Hennepin Public School District graduated in four years, against 83% across Minnesota.
How much does Dayton spend per student?
$16,135 in Anoka-Hennepin Public School District (FY2024), against $17,091 across Minnesota. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Dayton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Dayton → 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.