- Bemidji Senior High — Grades 9–12 · 1537 students
- Lincoln Elementary — Grades PK–3 · 320 students
- Horace May Elementary — Grades PK–3 · 300 students
- Northern Elementary — Grades PK–3 · 282 students
- J.W. Smith Elementary — Grades PK–3 · 238 students
- Solway Elementary — Grades PK–3 · 148 students
- First City School — Grades 3–12 · 48 students
- Bemidji Middle — Grades 6–8 · 967 students
- Bemidji Area Learning Center — Grades 5–12 · 0 students
- Bemidji Middle ALP — Grades 6–8 · 1 students
- Bemidji Senior Lumberjack ALC — Grades 9–12 · 85 students
- Lakeside Learning Center — Grades 6–12 · 7 students
- Oshki Manidoo Center — Grades 7–12 · 4 students
- Paul Bunyan Center — Grades PK–PK · 118 students
- Gene Dillon Elementary School — Grades 4–5 · 667 students
| Metric | Bemidji Public School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Supervisory Union | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About Bemidji Public School District
Families in zip code 56678 (Solway, Minnesota) are assigned to Bemidji Public School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Bemidji Public School District spends approximately $14,000 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 15 schools serving grades K–12, Bemidji Public School District qualifies as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 4,836 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), Bemidji Public School District 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. 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.
Bemidji Public School District 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 56678
Children in zip code 56678 are assigned to Bemidji Public School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 56678, 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 Bemidji Public School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. 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 Solway
For families considering a purchase in the Solway area, district assignment matters financially. Because Bemidji Public School District serves zip code 56678, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 56678. 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 Bemidji Public School District 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 56678.
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 Bemidji Public School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 56678 data.