For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,004 students in Butler County, NE (there are 2 private schools, serving 736 private students). 58% of all K-12 students in Butler County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Butler County, NE are Elementary School At Dwight, David City Elementary School and Bellwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butler County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Butler County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Butler County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Elementary School At Dwight
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
292 N 1st St
Dwight, NE 68635
(402) 566-2445
Dwight, NE 68635
(402) 566-2445
Grades: PK-6
| 53 students
Rank: #22.
David City Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
826 E St
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3779
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3779
Grades: PK-6
| 292 students
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Bellwood Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
612 Park St
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 538-4805
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 538-4805
Grades: PK-5
| 86 students
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Elementary School At Brainard
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
212 S Madison
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Grades: PK-6
| 118 students
Rank: #55.
David City Secondary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
750 D St
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3187
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3187
Grades: 7-12
| 316 students
Rank: #66.
High School At Brainard
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
212 S Madison
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Grades: 7-12
| 139 students
Butler County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
101 Ash Box 184
Abie, NE 68001
(402) 543-2347
Abie, NE 68001
(402) 543-2347
Grades: PK-8
| 11 students
96 Elm St Po Box 75
Bruno, NE 68014
(402) 543-2302
Bruno, NE 68014
(402) 543-2302
Grades: PK-8
| 2 students
341 Beech St Box 100
Linwood, NE 68036
(402) 666-5617
Linwood, NE 68036
(402) 666-5617
Grades: K-8
| 7 students
400 East Spruce
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Grades: PK-6
| 32 students
400 East Spruce
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Grades: 7-12
| 49 students
4411 O Road
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 539-2195
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 539-2195
Grades: PK-8
| 10 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Butler County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Butler County, NE include Elementary School At Dwight, David City Elementary School and Bellwood Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Butler County?
6 public schools are located in Butler County.
What percentage of students in Butler County go to public school?
58% of all K-12 students in Butler County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Butler County?
Butler County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.

10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.