Lakefield’s public schools outscore 65% of Minnesota districts
The four-year graduation rate in Lakefield’s district is 98%, above the Minnesota average (83%). The grade covers the public school district serving Lakefield, 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 95% 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.
Lakefield’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 45% of tested students were proficient in reading and 43% in math, against 51% and 45% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
95–100% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 83% across Minnesota (the state reports Lakefield’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,183 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 6 the district’s path is Jackson County Central Middle, then Jackson County Central Senior High. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Immanuel Lutheran 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 Lakefield’s grade
B+: better than 65% of Minnesota school districts. Graduation is above the Minnesota average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Lakefield, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Lakefield
Riverside Elementary
Grades PK–3 · 350 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Jackson
Kindergarten in Lakefield
Riverside Elementary
Grades PK–3 · 350 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Jackson
1st grade in Lakefield
Riverside Elementary
Grades PK–3 · 350 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Jackson
2nd grade in Lakefield
Riverside Elementary
Grades PK–3 · 350 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Jackson
3rd grade in Lakefield
Riverside Elementary
Grades PK–3 · 350 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Jackson
4th grade in Lakefield
Pleasantview Elementary
Grades 4–5 · 170 students · 15:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Lakefield
Pleasantview Elementary
Grades 4–5 · 170 students · 15:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Lakefield
Jackson County Central Middle
Grades 6–8 · 241 students · 16:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Lakefield
Jackson County Central Middle
Grades 6–8 · 241 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Lakefield
Jackson County Central Middle
Grades 6–8 · 241 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Lakefield
Jackson County Central Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 332 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Jackson
10th grade in Lakefield
Jackson County Central Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 332 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Jackson
Lakefield’s public schools are run by Jackson County Central 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.
Well below the state in reading
Lakefield vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Minnesota towns that share Lakefield’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Lakefield | B+ | Jackson County Central |
| Heron Lake | — | Jackson County Central |
| Hunter | — | Jackson County Central |
All 2 neighbors share Jackson County Central with Lakefield, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Lakefield
5 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 Lakefield’s schools
Are Lakefield’s schools good?
By Minnesota’s own tests, yes: the public schools Lakefield children attend outscore 65% of Minnesota’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 66%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Lakefield in?
Jackson County Central School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,093 students in 4 schools (2024–25).
Where do Lakefield kids go to high school?
Jackson County Central Senior High in Jackson, with 332 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Lakefield’s graduation rate?
95–100% of the class of 2023 in Jackson County Central School District graduated in four years, against 83% across Minnesota.
How much does Lakefield spend per student?
$14,183 in Jackson County Central School District (FY2024), against $17,091 across Minnesota. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Lakefield?
Yes: Immanuel Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 114 students).
Parents talk
What Lakefield families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Lakefield → 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.