For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 745 students in Johnson County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 22 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Johnson County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE are Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh, Johnson Co Central Middle School and Johnson Co Central Elem-cook. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Johnson County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Johnson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Johnson County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
358 N 6th
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Grades: PK-3
| 162 students
Rank: #22.
Johnson Co Central Middle School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
407 N 1st St
Cook, NE 68392
(402) 864-4181
Cook, NE 68392
(402) 864-4181
Grades: 6-8
| 120 students
Rank: #33.
Johnson Co Central Elem-cook
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
407 N 1st St
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4181
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4181
Grades: PK-5
| 82 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Sterling Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
250 Main St
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Grades: PK-6
| 143 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Sterling High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
250 Main St
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Grades: 7-12
| 81 students
Rank: #66.
Johnson Co Central High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
358 N 6th
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Grades: 9-12
| 157 students
Johnson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
407 N 1st Po Box 255
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-2024
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-2024
Grades: PK-6
| 109 students
475 Jefferson Po Box 8
Elk Creek, NE 68348
(402) 877-2175
Elk Creek, NE 68348
(402) 877-2175
Grades: PK-8
| 10 students
407 N 1st Po Box 255
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4171
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4171
Grades: 7-12
| 103 students
250 Main St, Box 39
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Grades: 6-8
| 44 students
358 N 6th St Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Grades: PK-6
| 210 students
358 N 6th Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Grades: 7-12
| 211 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE include Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh, Johnson Co Central Middle School and Johnson Co Central Elem-cook.
How many public schools are located in Johnson County?
6 public schools are located in Johnson County.
What percentage of students in Johnson County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Johnson County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Johnson County?
Johnson County public schools minority enrollment is 20% 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.