Education

Empowering Minds: Education and Schools in Our Community

Bemidji is an education center for the region, with a public school district, private options, and two higher-education institutions in town. For a physician relocating with a family, that means K-12 choices and university access without leaving the community.

Public Schools

Bemidji Area Schools (Independent School District 31) serves the city and surrounding area. The district operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Bemidji High School, along with alternative and online options. Highly rated schools in the area include Lincoln Elementary, Gene Dillon Elementary, and Bemidji Middle School.

• Multiple elementary schools across the city and region
• Bemidji Middle School
• Bemidji High School, with Advanced Placement and college-credit options
• Career and technical education pathways
• Alternative and online learning programs

Private and Alternative Options

• Faith-based and independent K-12 schools in the area
• TrekNorth Junior and Senior High School, a public charter with a college-prep focus
• Voyageurs Expeditionary School, a charter emphasizing experiential learning
• Schoolcraft Learning Community, a charter with a nature-based approach

Higher Education

Bemidji punches above its weight for higher education, with two institutions in town.

Bemidji State sits on the shore of Lake Bemidji and is known for education, nursing, business, and environmental and natural resource programs. It competes in NCAA Division I hockey and Division II athletics, and its 2026 U.S. News regional ranking of tied for 71st in the Midwest was its highest standing since 2010.

For Physician Families

The combination of AP and college-credit options at the high school, several charter and private choices, and a university in town gives physician families a full range of educational paths. For advanced or specialized options, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro and its private and boarding schools are within a few hours' drive.