Best Academy in Minneapolis, MN

At a glance

Reported students

508

NCES CCD 2024–25

Teachers (FTE)

33.16

NCES CCD 2024–25

Student–teacher ratio

15.3:1

Calculated; not a class-size measure

Grades served

KG–08

NCES preliminary directory 2025–26

Minnesota elementary enrollment

72nd percentile

Compared with 1,010 same-level schools reporting enrollment.

District median enrollment

141

Best Academy: 508 reported students.

State peer staffing position

78th percentile

15.3:1 reported; state peer median 13.3:1. Ratio is not class size.

Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22

These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.

Students: 709
Teachers (FTE): 51
Student–teacher ratio: 13.9:1

What the reported data says about Best Academy

Best Academy is a public elementary school serving grades KG–08 in Minneapolis. It is one of 4 current school records connected to Harvest Best Academy. NCES reports 508 students for 2024–25.

Among 1,010 elementary schools in Minnesota with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 389 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 72nd percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.

The reported student–teacher ratio is 15.3:1, above the Minnesota median of 13.3:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.

The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Black (93.3%) and multiracial (3.1%). English learners represent 36.7% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 15%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.

Questions worth asking Best Academy

1How do the reported 15.3:1 student–teacher ratio and 33.16 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 2 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?

Bring the full school visit checklist →

Enrollment needs

English learners: 36.7%
Students with disabilities: 15%
Free/reduced-price lunch: 92.5%
Lunch program: Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)

Reported support staff

Counselors (FTE): 2
Nurses (FTE): 1
Psychologists (FTE): 1
Social workers (FTE): 2

CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.

Student demographics

Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment

White0%
Hispanic2.4%
Black93.3%
Asian0.2%
American Indian / Alaska Native1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
Multiracial3.1%

Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.

Programs reported by the school

Gifted and talented

Not reported as offered

CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.

Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.

Wakanda Virtual Academy Lower

Elementary · Grades KG–08

282 reported students

Mastery School

Elementary · Grades KG–05

0 reported students

Sankofa Prep Academy

Elementary · Grades KG–05

0 reported students

View all 4 district schools →

Public schools near Best Academy

Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.

School	Grades	Students	Distance
Wakanda Virtual Academy Lower Elementary · Charter · Harvest Best Academy	KG–08	282	under 0.1 mi
Mastery School Elementary · Charter · Harvest Best Academy	KG–05	0	under 0.1 mi
Bethune Elementary Elementary · Minneapolis Public School District	PK–05	213	0.2 mi
SET Academy Elementary Elementary · Charter · Metro Schools Charter	KG–05	463	0.5 mi
Online SET Academy Elementary · Charter · Metro Schools Charter	KG–05	114	0.5 mi
Twin Cities International Schools Elementary · Charter · Twin Cities International Schools	KG–05	595	0.8 mi

Compare all 150 public schools in Minneapolis, MN →

Frequently asked questions about Best Academy

What grades does Best Academy serve?

Best Academy reports grades KG–08 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Harvest Best Academy.

How many students attend Best Academy?

Best Academy reported 508 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 72nd percentile among 1,010 Minnesota elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 709 students.

What is the student–teacher ratio at Best Academy?

The calculated ratio is 15.3:1, based on 508 students and 33.16 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Minnesota median for the same school level is 13.3:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.

Is Best Academy a public, charter, or magnet school?

Best Academy is a public school operating as a charter school. Admission can involve an application or lottery, so check enrollment windows with the school.

What share of Best Academy students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?

92.5% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. The school participates in community eligibility, which can provide meals to every student and changes how eligibility is reported. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.

Which school district is Best Academy in?

Best Academy is part of Harvest Best Academy, based in Minneapolis, MN, which operates 4 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.

What public schools are near Best Academy?

The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Wakanda Virtual Academy Lower (under 0.1 mi), Mastery School (under 0.1 mi), Bethune Elementary (0.2 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.