For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 486 students in Polk County, NE.
The top ranked public preschools in Polk County, NE are Cross County Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School and Shelby - Rising City Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NE public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Nebraska public pre school average of 49%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 50% statewide average). Pre schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public preschool average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cross County Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1270 123rd Road
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: PK-5
| 168 students
Rank: #22.
Osceola Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
341 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-2091
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-2091
Grades: PK-5
| 116 students
Rank: #33.
Shelby - Rising City Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: PK-5
| 202 students
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
260 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Grades: 4-5
| 41 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Polk County, NE?
The top ranked public preschools in Polk County, NE include Cross County Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School and Shelby - Rising City Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Polk County?
3 public preschools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public preschools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public preschools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.

How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.

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.