2023 Best School Districts in Washington County

• Stillwater, MN•

• School District

• grade A

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,204

• Mahtomedi, MN•

• School District

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: Mahtomedi highschool consists of about 300 students per grade, and class sizes averages to about 24 students. With the rigorous courses and AP/ CIS courses offered, the school values academic success. The school is lacking elective courses other than art and workshop classes. They have a high level of parent involvement and volunteer opportunities through elementary school and high school with all of the monthly events to gather the community. The teachers hold high standards for the students, but provide support for the students to help them learn. They value safety and have an on campus officer year round, so I would give them 4 stars overall.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,233

• Stillwater, MN•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  87 reviews

Senior: I liked that I had a wide variety of options for classes I could take. This year I was able to take Ap Environmental Science and Ap Psychology which are both fields of interest I have when looking at potential majors in college. It gives me general ideas of what each field would look like and better prepares me for making decisions on which field I would be most interested in pursuing. I also like how many extracurriculars we have at our school. This doesn't just include sports but the many clubs and activities as well. They make it easy for you to find a group that has similar interests as you and for you to form a club around it. I participated in soccer throughout my entire high school experience and I enjoyed being able to grow my skill, play the sport I love, and build strong relationships with my teammates during the season.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 16

• Students 8,290

• Cottage Grove, MN•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  58 reviews

Sophomore: I have been apart of this district since Day One of my education. My elementary school, Grey Cloud, was spectacular in their math classes specifically. Every grade prepared me for the next grade and ultimately high school. I was very fortunate to have the meals they served as well. Amazing staff across the board, too. The high school theater programs are extremely successful as well. Great district to grow up in!... Read 58 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 27

• Students 19,001

• Forest Lake, MN•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.93 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: I now have two students enrolled at LILA in the Mandarin Immersion program. It is by far the best thing we could have done for our children. The teachers are great with the kids, the curriculum gives them the abilby to grow critical thinking skills and excel. (I frequently remind myself I have chosen a school that encourages them to take risks and ask questions, which sometimes bites me in the butt as a mom) When my son was in Kinder we wondered if he was learning the language after a bout a month. We confirmed it was sinking in when he spoke Mandarin in his sleep. I, like all parents, was worried about how the English side of things would develop. Both of my children have excelled in their English reading and comprehension as well, performing above grade level. LILA is truly an all inclusive, caring, supportive community of both educators and families as well. We truly are all one big LILA family!... Read 15 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,493

• Forest Lake, MN•

• School District

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Works Here: North Lakes Academy (NLA) is a school based on achieving results through relational connections. By maintaining a small class size, the district does a great job investing directly into the students - administration drives its decision-making around what students need and how to put teachers in position to be successful. The students know that they are challenged, invested in, and are partnered with by the staff, administration, and the families.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Total schools 3

• Students 578

• Forest Lake, MN•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  22 reviews

Junior: My experience attending Forest Lake Public Schools was great. Since kindergarten, I've been going to school in the same district, and it's made me the person I am today. I perform well academically because of the instructors I had who put their students first. I've never had a teacher that hasn't been willing to answer my questions or put extra time into a student in need. Socially, I've grown into a respectful young woman because of the reinforcement and punishment that was implemented into my school days from day one. The staff at Forest Lake schools are warm and welcoming. Overall, I rated my experience a four out of five because after all it is a school district, and every school has their flaws. Some improvements could be made to make the students' learning even easier. One improvement I would suggest is smaller class sizes and more hands on learning. These are long shots, and require more money, but in the end they would be very worth it.... Read 22 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 13

• Students 5,914