- Sunrise River Elementary School — Grades 1–5 · 960 students
- North Branch Area Education Center — Grades PK–K · 239 students
- Distance Learning Acadmy Elementary — Grades K–5 · 6 students
- North Branch Area Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 615 students
- North Branch Area High School — Grades 9–12 · 791 students
- Distance Learning Academy Secondary — Grades 6–12 · 52 students
- Norse Area Learning Center — Grades 7–12 · 41 students
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| Metric | North Branch Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 6 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,100/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About North Branch Public Schools
North Branch Public Schools serves zip code 55079, covering North Branch, Minnesota with grades Pre-K – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, North Branch Public Schools spends approximately $14,100 per student per year, placing it near the Minnesota state average of approximately $14,000 and near the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At multiple schools serving grades Pre-K – 12th, North Branch Public Schools qualifies as a district of unknown size serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Contact North Branch Public Schools to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), North Branch Public Schools ranks among Minnesota’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Minnesota is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
North Branch Public Schools carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Minnesota benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 55079
Children in zip code 55079 are assigned to North Branch Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 55079, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact North Branch Public Schools at (651)674-1000 or visit www.northbranch.k12.mn.us/. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Minnesota districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in North Branch
For families considering a purchase in the North Branch area, district assignment matters financially. Because North Branch Public Schools serves zip code 55079, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 55079. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Minnesota, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support North Branch Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 55079.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with North Branch Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 55079 data.