For the 2024-25 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,984 students in Thurston County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 100 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Thurston County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Thurston County, NE are Pender Elementary School, Pender High School and Umo N Ho N Nation High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Thurston County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Thurston County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Nebraska public school average of 37% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Thurston County (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Pender Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
609 Whitney St
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Grades: PK-6
| 261 students
Rank: #22.
Pender High School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
609 Whitney St
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Grades: 7-12
| 182 students
Rank: #33.
Umo N Ho N Nation High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
470 Main St
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Grades: 9-12
| 150 students
Rank: #44.
Winnebago Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
202 Osborne St
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Grades: PK-8
| 429 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Walthill High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
602 Main St
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Grades: 7-12
| 123 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Winnebago High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
202 Osborne St
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Grades: 9-12
| 200 students
Rank: #77.
Walthill Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
602 Main St
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Grades: PK-6
| 158 students
Rank: #88.
Umo N Ho N Nation Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
470 Main St
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5260
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5260
Grades: PK-5
| 368 students
Rank: #99.
Umo N Ho N Nation Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
470 Main St
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Grades: 6-8
| 113 students
Thurston County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1442 V Road
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-2592
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-2592
Grades: PK-8
| 9 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Thurston County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Thurston County, NE include Pender Elementary School, Pender High School and Umo N Ho N Nation High School.
How many public schools are located in Thurston County?
9 public schools are located in Thurston County.
What percentage of students in Thurston County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Thurston County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Thurston County?
Thurston County public schools minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Nebraska public schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
The article discusses a proposal in Washington D.C. to make college applications a requirement for high school graduation. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, including its impact on graduation rates and college attendance. The piece also considers similar initiatives in other states and the debate surrounding this approach
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
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.