Serving 181 students in grades 4-5, Central Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Nebraska for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 58%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the Nebraska state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 4-5
- Enrollment: 181 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 14%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in NE
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Central Elementary School's attendance zone covers the entire district of Mc Cook, NE, encompassing approximately 280.7 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 10.9 miles to the edge and a maximum distance of 22.5 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Nebraska for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Central Elementary School's student population of 181 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 4-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
181 students
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
School Rankings
Central Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 901 schools in Nebraska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Elementary School is 0.25, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#194 out of 901 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
58%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
62%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
10%
23%
Black
1%
7%
White
86%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.6%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Elementary School's ranking?
Central Elementary School is ranked #194 out of 901 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Nebraska.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 58% NE state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% NE state average).
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
181 students attend Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Central Elementary School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 12:1.
What grades does Central Elementary School offer ?
Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 4-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central Elementary School part of?
Central Elementary School is part of MC Cook School District.
School Reviews
Review Central Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
