For the 2025 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 4,588 students in Dakota County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 180 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Dakota County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Dakota County, NE are Homer Elementary School, Emerson-hubbard Elementary School and Emerson-hubbard High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dakota County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Dakota County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Dakota County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Homer Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
212 S 3rd
Homer, NE 68030
(402) 698-2377
Homer, NE 68030
(402) 698-2377
Grades: PK-6
| 253 students
Rank: #22.
Emerson-hubbard Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
109 W Third St
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2654
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2654
Grades: PK-5
| 101 students
Rank: #33.
Emerson-hubbard High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1503 Dakota St
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2636
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2636
Grades: 9-12
| 72 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Cardinal Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
820 E 29th Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1662
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1662
Grades: PK-5
| 434 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Harney Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1001 Arbor Drive
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1446
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1446
Grades: PK-5
| 359 students
Rank: #66.
Homer High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
212 S 3rd
Homer, NE 68030
(402) 698-2377
Homer, NE 68030
(402) 698-2377
Grades: 7-12
| 191 students
Rank: #77.
South Sioux City Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3625 G Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-3061
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-3061
Grades: 6-8
| 760 students
Rank: #88.
Emerson-hubbard Middle School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1503 Dakota St
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2636
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2636
Grades: 6-8
| 50 students
Rank: #99.
South Sioux High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3301 G St
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-2433
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-2433
Grades: 9-12
| 1,172 students
Rank: #1010.
Dakota City Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1801 Locust St
Dakota City, NE 68731
(402) 987-3363
Dakota City, NE 68731
(402) 987-3363
Grades: PK-5
| 237 students
Rank: #1111.
Lewis & Clark Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
801 2nd Ave
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1917
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1917
Grades: PK-5
| 230 students
Rank: #1212.
Covington Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2116 A Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-4238
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-4238
Grades: PK-5
| 404 students
Rank: n/an/a
2300 C St
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-3501
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-3501
Grades: PK
| 205 students
Rank: n/an/a
223 N John St
Jackson, NE 68743
(402) 632-4276
Jackson, NE 68743
(402) 632-4276
Grades: PK-2
| 120 students
Dakota County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
100 Futures Dr
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-4185
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-4185
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Gateway To Learning (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
1000 West 29th St
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-0121
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-0121
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
223 N John St Po Box 67
Jackson, NE 68743
(402) 632-4276
Jackson, NE 68743
(402) 632-4276
Grades: PK-8
| 57 students
1410 Pine
Dakota City, NE 68731
(402) 494-1727
Dakota City, NE 68731
(402) 494-1727
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Dakota County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Dakota County, NE include Homer Elementary School, Emerson-hubbard Elementary School and Emerson-hubbard High School.
How many public schools are located in Dakota County?
14 public schools are located in Dakota County.
What percentage of students in Dakota County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Dakota County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dakota County?
Dakota County public schools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Dakota County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dakota County include: Harney Elementary School vs. Dakota City Elementary School, Cardinal Elementary School vs. Dakota City Elementary School, E N Swett Elementary School vs. Dakota City Elementary School
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