Columbus Elementary vs North Lakes Academy Elementary
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in Minnesota, United States, 2.8 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Columbus Elementary
Forest Lake · Public elementary · Grades PK–6
441 students
North Lakes Academy Elementary
Forest Lake · Charter elementary · Grades K–6
220 students
| Measure | Columbus Elementary Forest Lake, Minnesota | North Lakes Academy Elementary Forest Lake, Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 73 Top 25% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank | #328 of 923 | #563 of 923 |
| National rank | #9156 of 50,301 | #16273 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades PK–6 | Grades K–6 |
| Students | 441 | 220 |
| Enrollment | 441 | 220 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 18.4% | 46.4% |
| Students per teacher | 21.0 | 13.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 66% | – |
| Math proficiency | 71% | – |
| city | Forest Lake | Forest Lake |
| state | Minnesota | Minnesota |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Columbus Elementary scores higher on the Success Index (US) (73.1 vs 62.8).
- •Columbus Elementary does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (18.4% vs 46.4%).
- •North Lakes Academy Elementary does better on students per teacher (13.8 vs 21.0).
- •Columbus Elementary is the larger school with 441 students compared with 220.
- •Columbus Elementary is a public school while North Lakes Academy Elementary is a charter school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus Elementary better than North Lakes Academy Elementary?
On the Success Index (US), Columbus Elementary ranks higher (73.1 vs 62.8 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Columbus Elementary and North Lakes Academy Elementary?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Forest Lake and Forest Lake in Minnesota.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Columbus Elementary: 441. North Lakes Academy Elementary: 220. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Columbus Elementary and North Lakes Academy Elementary rank in Minnesota?
Columbus Elementary is 328th of 923 and North Lakes Academy Elementary is 563rd of 923 among elementary schools in Minnesota on the 2025 Success Index (US).