For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,354 students in Thurston County, NE.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Thurston County, NE are Pender Elementary School, Winnebago Elementary School and Walthill Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Thurston County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Thurston County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Thurston County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Pender Elementary 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
| 239 students
Rank: #22.
Winnebago Elementary 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
| 451 students
Rank: #33.
Walthill Elementary 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
| 168 students
Rank: #44.
Umo N Ho N Nation Elementary 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
| 391 students
Rank: #55.
Umo N Ho N Nation Middle 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
| 105 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 elementary schools in Thurston County, NE?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Thurston County, NE include Pender Elementary School, Winnebago Elementary School and Walthill Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Thurston County?
5 public elementary schools are located in Thurston County.
What is the racial composition of students in Thurston County?
Thurston County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 39% (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.