How Does Your School Rank? Check Out North Dakota’s Top High Schools

It's hard to believe the lazy days of summer are already behind us.

Across North Dakota, backpacks are being packed, classroom doors are opening, and teachers are putting the finishing touches on their rooms. Here in Williston, students will head back to school this Thursday, August 20.

The start of a new school year means something different to every family. For some, it's a little excitement mixed with nervousness. For others, it's the relief of getting back into a routine. And for parents, there's usually a last-minute shopping trip or two before everyone is ready to go.

But with another school year beginning, it's also a good time to take a look at how schools across North Dakota are doing.

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High School

Here Are North Dakota's Top 12 High Schools

In preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, U.S. News & World Report released its latest rankings of the best high schools in the country.

Here are the 12 highest-ranked high schools in North Dakota:

12. Central High School, Grand Forks

11. Bismarck High School, Bismarck

10. Elgin-New Leipzig High School, Elgin-New Leipzig

9. West Fargo High School, West Fargo

8. Carrington High School, Carrington

7. Red River High School, Grand Forks

6. Kindred High School, Kindred

5. Fargo Davies High School, Fargo

4. Jamestown High School, Jamestown

3. Wyndmere High School, Wyndmere

2. North High School, Fargo

1. Century High School, Bismarck

Century High School takes the top spot in North Dakota, followed by Fargo's North High School and Wyndmere High School.

Read More: The Doors Are Open at Sloulin Elementary, And Williston Loves What It Sees

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High School

How Did Schools Around the Mon-Dak Region Do?

It's always interesting to see how schools in our area compare with others around the state.

Several schools in our area made the U.S. News rankings as well.

Powers Lake High School came in at No. 16, while Ray High School was ranked No. 29.

Watford City High School landed at No. 51, and Williston High School was tied with several other schools in the No. 64-96 range.

That's a pretty broad range, but it's important to remember that these rankings don't tell the whole story.

A school is much more than a number on a list.

A New School Year Means a Fresh Start

Rankings can give parents and communities an interesting snapshot of schools, but they don't measure every teacher who stays late to help a student, every coach who gives kids another reason to show up, or every staff member who knows a child's name when they walk through the door.

Those things matter, too.

As teachers prepare their classrooms and families finish up those last-minute back-to-school chores, there's a familiar feeling settling over communities across the Mon-Dak region.

Summer is winding down.

The school buses are getting ready to roll.

The hallways that have been quiet for weeks will soon be filled with footsteps, laughter, and the usual first-day stories.

To all the teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, and students getting ready for the 2026-2027 school year, best of luck. Here's hoping it's a great one.