Nebraska is the 16th largest state by landmass, covering an estimated 76,817.87 square miles. The state, renowned for its vast expanses of farmland and rolling prairies, has a total population of approximately 1.963 million residents. The state runs a robust public education system based on local control that serves roughly 327,564 kids in K-12.
Nebraska has about 1,083 public schools organized into 278 school districts. As parents, we may get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of data and information available for each school as we try to pick the ideal option for our kids.
Fortunately, we've curated a comprehensive guide of the ten best schools in the state today based on various metrics and factors. We've considered the schools' performances, student experience, faculty, class sizes, and extracurricular options, among other factors.
The ranking is divided into three main categories, with the schools in each batch ranked in ascending order. Keep reading to learn more about the ten top-rated schools in Nebraska today.
Best Elementary Schools
Manchester Elementary School
2750 N HWS Cleveland Blvd, Omaha, NE 68116
Manchester Elementary is a highly-rated public elementary school within the Elkhorn Public Schools District. It serves around 543 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school provides a respectful, responsible, and safe learning environment that supports the academic and personal growth of the kids. Manchester Elementary receives a 9/10 overall rating from GreatSchools.org.
Students at Manchester Elementary perform excellently in statewide assessment tests, with most performing at or above their grade level. The Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) assessment for the 2021-22 school year showed that 81% attained proficiency in English, 83% in math, and 89% in science.
Manchester Elementary has 35 classroom teachers, translating to one faculty member for every sixteen students. 88% of these teachers have over three years of teaching experience. Moreover, all full-time instructors are certified, making them qualified to provide quality education to your child. Manchester Elementary also has a part-time psychologist on staff.
Reviews of the school are overwhelmingly positive. Here's one parent's feedback left on GreatSchools.org, “Great school. My kids both love it here. The teachers are wonderful and will help out wherever they can. If you ask for anything, they are there to help.” The school is an excellent pick for families in Omaha.
Fire Ridge Elementary School
19660 Farnam St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Fire Ridge Elementary is a public elementary school within the Elkhorn Public Schools District. The school provides an academically rigorous environment that ensures each child is challenged and pushed to attain or exceed the state and district proficiency expectations. Fire Ridge currently serves approximately 468 kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The school is organized into grade-level instructional teams that offer an enrichment curriculum for a well-rounded education. Fire Ridge's students excel in NSCAS assessments, with 86% attaining proficiency in math, 84% in English, and 93% in science.
Besides the common core subjects, students also participate in enrichment programs, such as technology, library media, music, art, and physical education. The school has 31 classroom teachers and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. Around 95% of the instructors have three or more years of teaching experience, and all full-time teachers are certified.
The parents cite positive experiences with the school. One parent praises the wonderful school community and nice teachers. Another speaks highly of the school's PTO, saying they go above and beyond in their collaboration with the school. It's a top pick for families moving into Omaha.
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Spring Ridge Elementary School
17830 Shadow Ridge Dr, Omaha, NE 68130
Spring Ridge Elementary is a top-rated elementary school within the Elkhorn Public Schools District. It offers a rigorous academic program to roughly 587 kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school received a 9/10 overall rating from GreatSchools.org.
The school has a highly skilled faculty, with 88% having over three years of teaching experience. Additionally, all full-time teachers are certified. The quality of instruction is evident in the kids' performance in state assessments, with 86% gaining proficiency in math, 84% in English, and 88% in science.
Spring Ridge has one teacher for every sixteen kids. It also has a fairly active Parent Teacher Organization(PTO) with numerous parent and community volunteers who help create a rewarding educational experience for the kids. The school also employs a part-time psychologist.
All parents that gave their feedback on GreatSchools.org gave it a 5/5 stars rating. One parent appreciated the tremendous passion the staff and teachers have for the kids. Another praised the administrators, terming them as responsible, caring, and responsive. The parents were glad their son had gotten much more creative after switching to Spring Ridge.
Blue Sage Elementary School
3600 S 215th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Blue Sage Elementary is a high-performing public elementary school catering to roughly 357 kindergarten through fifth-grade kids. It is part of the Elkhorn Public Schools District. The school earned a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
Almost all of the students at Blue Sage Elementary perform at or above their grade level requirements in NSCAS assessments. According to the NSCAS data for 2022, 94% of the students attain proficiency in English and science. Additionally, 93% of the students gain proficiency in math.
The school has one teacher for every fourteen kids. The low student-teacher ratio allows the faculty to provide personalized feedback and instruction. Blue Sage Elementary also runs a gifted and talented program to provide an adequate challenge for intellectually gifted kids.
The school is a top pick for families searching for an academically rigorous environment for their kids in Omaha.
Best Middle Schools
Lux Middle School
7800 High St, Lincoln, NE 68506
Lux Middle School is a top-rated middle school in the Lincoln Public Schools District. It serves roughly 842 students in sixth through eighth grade. The school received the National Blue Ribbon designation in 2021, proof of the quality of education provided at Lux.
Most of the students at Lux Middle perform at or above the proficiency levels set by the state for their respective grades. 74% attain proficiency in math and 72% in reading. The school also runs a gifted and talented program to support and guide academically gifted kids.
The school aims to provide a holistic education to its students, encouraging them to participate in various extracurricular activities. Seventh and eighth-grade students can participate in intramural athletics by joining teams such as cross country, girls' basketball, wrestling, soccer, boys' basketball, and track and field.
The school has 56 classroom teachers with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. All full-time teachers are certified. Additionally, 91% of the teachers have over three years of experience. The staff also includes a part-time nurse, psychologist, and social worker.
Parent reviews for Lux Middle are majorly positive, with one parent appreciating the teachers and numerous extracurricular activities available after school. The school is an excellent fit for families moving to Lincoln, Nebraska.
Elkhorn Middle School
3200 207th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Elkhorn Middle is a public middle school under the Elkhorn Public Schools District. The school is a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon designation for 2019. It serves roughly 599 students in sixth through eighth grade.
The academic program at the school consists of a solid core curriculum in science, language arts, reading, math, and history. Most students exceed expectations in state assessments, with 77% attaining proficiency in math and 69% in English. Elkhorn Middle also has a gifted and talented program to support intellectually gifted kids.
Elkhorn Middle also offers several enrichment programs to complement the core curriculum. Your child can enroll in vocal music, world languages, art, instrumental music, industrial technology, computer application, and drama. Students can participate in these courses on a rotatory or elective basis.
The school has several clubs, organizations, and athletic teams that allow the students to develop their interests and talents outside the classroom. Some popular sports at the school include football, volleyball, track, and basketball.
Here's what one parent had to say about their experience at the school in a review on GreatSchools.org, “My experience with the school has been positive overall. I have been pleased with the education my children have received from the teachers here.”
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Elkhorn Valley View Middle School
1313 S 208th St, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Elkhorn Valley View Middle School is a highly-rated public school within the Elkhorn Public Schools District. The school serves approximately 613 students in sixth through eighth grade. It has an overall 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org and an A from Niche.com.
Elkhorn Valley offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on academic and exploratory core areas. The kids perform exceedingly well in state assessments, with 83% attaining proficiency in English, 75% in math, and 91% in science.
Valley View Middle also offers its students an opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, including show choir, jazz band, instrumental music, chess club, science club, computer club, drama club, student council, and yearbook.
Students can also participate in athletics by joining the school's teams, such as football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and track. The school has one teacher for every sixteen kids, maintaining relatively larger class sizes.
Nonetheless, the faculty team is highly qualified, with all full-time teachers having certifications and over three years of experience. The school also has a part-time psychologist.
All reviewers on Niche.com gave the school a 5/5 star rating, speaking highly of their experiences at the school. One reviewer notes that the school welcomes new students and provides diverse opportunities that allow each student to excel with their unique gifts and talents.
Best High Schools
Elkhorn High School
1401 Veterans Dr, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Elkhorn High is a top-rated public school in the Elkhorn Public Schools District. It serves roughly 1,280 students in grades 9-12. The school receives a 9/10 overall score from GreatSchools.org.
Elkhorn High has a graduation rate of 95%, with 83% of the graduates proceeding to college or vocational training. 64% of those admitted return for their second year, speaking highly of Elkhorn High's college preparatory education. The school also provides junior and senior ACT preparatory instruction, with students recording an average ACT score of 22.
The school supports the students' quest to earn college credits while still in high school through advanced placement courses and dual enrollment programs. Elkhorn High offers 16 AP courses in which 42% of students enroll. Additionally, 7% of students participate in dual enrollment programs.
The school also offers students numerous extracurricular opportunities. Your child can join one of the thirty-four clubs and organizations available. They may also participate in sports by joining one of the school's 17 athletic teams.
One parent describes their experience at Elkhorn High as “great, from start to finish.” They also highlight the school's community and sports programs as some of the positives.
Millard North High School
1010 S 144th St, Omaha, NE 68154
Millard North High is a public school under the Millard Public Schools District. The school serves roughly 2,575 students in ninth through twelfth grade. It also provides a rigorous college prep curriculum with numerous special programs such as IB, Advanced Placement, and Career Academies.
Millard North has a high school graduation rate of 89%, with 82% of the graduates proceeding to college or vocational training. Students at the school attain an average ACT score of 22. Millard North High offers over 23 advanced placement courses, with 35% of the students participating.
Besides the AP courses, the students have other opportunities to challenge themselves and earn college credits. Students can enroll in dual enrollment classes, which attract a 2% participation. Students can also join the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program or Diploma Program.
Millard North High has over 33 organizations and 44 club activities students are encouraged to participate. Students can also join one of the dozen athletic teams at the school. One parent thanked the school for providing their child with an excellent college preparatory experience, noting that their son found college life easier from the foundation laid at Millard North High School.
Notable Alumni
With its numerous programs and top-notch academics, Millard North High has produced quite a few successful graduates. Here are just a few of those individuals:
- Michael Zagurski – MLB Player
- Jeff Tarpinian – NFL Player
- Ryan Malone – NHL Player
Elkhorn South High School
20303 Blue Sage Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68130
Elkhorn South High is a top-rated public school under the Elkhorn Public Schools District. The school caters to approximately 1,327 students in grades 9-12. The school creates an atmosphere of academic rigor that prepares the students for college life and beyond.
Elkhorn South High receives an overall 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org. It boasts a four-year high school graduation rate of 98%, with 93% of graduates joining college or pursuing a vocational training program. Additionally, 78% of those enrolled returned for their second year, a testament to the rigorous college preparedness programs at the school.
The school has over 16 advanced placement courses with a 46% participation rate. The AP programs provide students with an opportunity to earn college credits. Moreover, 6% of the students participate in dual enrollment classes. The average ACT score is 24.
The school has one teacher for every seventeen students. 96% of the instructors have over three years of experience, and 99% of full-time teachers are certified. Elkhorn South High also has a part-time psychologist and a full-time law enforcement officer on staff.
Elkhorn South High has 17 athletic teams and thirty-four clubs and organizations that students can join to develop their talents and grow their interests outside the classroom.
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Finding the Right School for Your Child
Nebraska has a vibrant public education scene, with many top-rated K-12 schools. The schools on this list feature unique curriculum approaches and enrichment programs for the holistic development of a student.
You can use this comprehensive guide as a launch pad for your search for the ideal school for your child. The right school should match your child's interests, talents, and abilities.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/AaronAmat.