Education in Rice, Minnesota

Strong schools are at the heart of any great community, and Rice, Minnesota offers families excellent educational opportunities from kindergarten through college. Public school students are served by the well-regarded Sauk Rapids-Rice School District (ISD #47), while parochial options and outstanding higher-education institutions are available nearby in the greater St. Cloud area. Families who choose Rice can feel confident that quality education is close at hand at every stage of a child's development.

Public Schools: Sauk Rapids-Rice District (ISD #47)

The public schools serving Rice belong to the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, which is committed to academic excellence and student success. The district's schools provide a continuous educational pathway from the early grades through high school graduation. More information about the district is available through Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47.

Rice Elementary School

Rice Elementary School is located right in the city of Rice, serving students from kindergarten through grade five. The school has a student population of approximately 495 and maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of about 22 to 1, supported by roughly 35 certified staff and 30 support personnel. Having a neighborhood elementary school within the community is a tremendous asset for young families, allowing children to begin their education close to home.

Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School

The Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School serves students in grades six through eight and is located about 15 minutes south in Sauk Rapids. With approximately 780 students, the middle school provides the academic foundation and developmental support that adolescents need as they transition toward high school.

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

The Sauk Rapids-Rice High School serves grades nine through twelve with a student population of approximately 900, supported by about 64 certified staff and 29 support personnel. The high school offers a comprehensive curriculum along with extracurricular activities, athletics, and college- and career-preparation programs to ready students for their next steps.

Parochial Schools

Families seeking faith-based education will find several parochial options in the greater St. Cloud area:

• A Catholic school serving grades K-6 with approximately 300 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 21 to 1, offering values-centered education within a faith tradition.
• A Lutheran (Missouri Synod) school dedicated to developing well-rounded, Gospel-motivated students, serving preschool through grade 8 with approximately 130 students and a K-8 ratio of about 16 to 1.
• An additional Lutheran (Wisconsin Synod) school serving grades K-8, providing another faith-based educational choice for area families.

These parochial schools complement the public system, giving Rice-area families a meaningful range of choices to suit their values and their children's needs.

Higher Education

Rice's proximity to St. Cloud means that outstanding higher-education opportunities are just minutes away. The St. Cloud area is home to universities, a state university, and technical and community colleges offering everything from technical certificates and associate degrees to bachelor's, master's, and professional programs. This access to higher education benefits not only students continuing their studies but also the region's employers, who draw on a steady pipeline of educated, skilled graduates. For statewide information on schools and educational standards, the Minnesota Department of Education is a valuable resource.

A Foundation for the Future

From a neighborhood elementary school to nearby colleges and universities, the educational opportunities available to Rice families are both convenient and high in quality. Strong schools attract families, support a capable workforce, and build the foundation for a community's long-term success - all part of what makes Rice a place with a future full of promise. To learn more about what the area offers families, explore our quality of life and community pages, or contact the Chamber.