Nebraska is the #33 largest school system in the United States, serving 329,255 students across the 1,094 public schools for the 2024-25 school year (there are 235 private schools, serving 41,704 students). 89% of all K-12 students in Nebraska attend public schools, compared to the national average of 89%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Nebraska is 46%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 47%.
The top-ranked public schools in Nebraska are Blue Sage Elementary School, Hitchcock Elementary School, and Spring Ridge Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 37%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(NE) School Average
American Indian
1%
Asian
3%
Hispanic
21%
Black
7%
White
63%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Nebraska (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Blue Sage Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
3600 S 215th Street
Elkhorn, NE 68022
(402) 289-3577
Elkhorn, NE 68022
(402) 289-3577
Rank: #22.
Hitchcock Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
5809 S 104th St
Omaha, NE 68127
(402) 715-2255
Omaha, NE 68127
(402) 715-2255
Rank: #33.
Spring Ridge Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 87% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 87% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
17830 Shadow Ridge Dr
Omaha, NE 68130
(402) 637-0204
Omaha, NE 68130
(402) 637-0204
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Aldrich Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 1%)
Reading: 86% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
506 N 162 Ave
Omaha, NE 68118
(402) 715-2020
Omaha, NE 68118
(402) 715-2020
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Fire Ridge Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 86% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
19660 Farnam St
Elkhorn, NE 68022
(402) 289-0735
Elkhorn, NE 68022
(402) 289-0735
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Elkhorn South High School
Magnet School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
20303 Blue Sage Parkway
Omaha, NE 68130
(402) 289-0616
Omaha, NE 68130
(402) 289-0616
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Upchurch Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 1%)
Reading: 83% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
8686 S 165th St
Omaha, NE 68136
(402) 715-7150
Omaha, NE 68136
(402) 715-7150
Rank: #88.
Reeder Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
19202 Chandler St
Gretna, NE 68028
(402) 715-6420
Gretna, NE 68028
(402) 715-6420
Rank: #99.
Manchester Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 82% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
2750 N Hws Cleveland Blvd
Omaha, NE 68116
(402) 289-2590
Omaha, NE 68116
(402) 289-2590
Rank: #1010.
Meadowlark Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 5%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
1010 E 53rd St
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 698-8210
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 698-8210
Best Nebraska Public Schools by County (2024-25)
Popular neighborhoods: North Omaha (33 schools), West Omaha (25 schools), South Central Omaha (18 schools), Millard (13 schools), Gifford Park (12 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Nebraska?
The top-ranked public schools in Nebraska include Blue Sage Elementary School, Hitchcock Elementary School, and Spring Ridge Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Nebraska?
1,094 public schools are located in Nebraska.
What percentage of students in Nebraska go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Nebraska attend public schools (compared to the national average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Nebraska?
Minority enrollment in Nebraska is 37%, with the majority being Hispanic.
Which public schools in Nebraska are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Nebraska include: Northwest High School vs. Grand Island Senior High School, Neligh-oakdale High School vs. Elgin High School, Grand Island Senior High School vs. Northwest High School
Recent Articles
Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
This article examines the ongoing debate about drug testing for teachers in public schools. It discusses the rationale behind such policies, privacy concerns, cost implications, and the relatively low prevalence of drug use among educators. The piece also explores future considerations for drug testing policies in educational settings.
Head in the Clouds: Why Public Schools are Embracing Cloud Computing
Explore how public schools are integrating cloud computing into their educational frameworks. Understand the advantages such as enhanced collaboration, cost savings, and accessibility, as well as the challenges schools face in adopting this technology.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.