For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,004 students in Butler County, NE (there are 2 private schools, serving 736 private students). 58% of all K-12 students in Butler County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Butler County, NE are Elementary School At Dwight, David City Elementary School and David City Secondary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butler County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Butler County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Butler County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Elementary School At Dwight
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
292 N 1st St
Dwight, NE 68635
(402) 566-2445
Dwight, NE 68635
(402) 566-2445
Gr: PK-6 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #22.
David City Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
826 E St
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3779
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3779
Gr: PK-6 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
David City Secondary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
750 D St
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3187
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3187
Gr: 7-12 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Bellwood Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
612 Park St
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 538-4805
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 538-4805
Gr: PK-5 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #55.
High School At Brainard
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
212 S Madison
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Gr: 7-12 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #66.
Elementary School At Brainard
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
212 S Madison
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Gr: PK-6 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Butler County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
101 Ash Box 184
Abie, NE 68001
(402) 543-2347
Abie, NE 68001
(402) 543-2347
Gr: PK-8 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
96 Elm St Po Box 75
Bruno, NE 68014
(402) 543-2302
Bruno, NE 68014
(402) 543-2302
Gr: PK-8 | 2 students
341 Beech St Box 100
Linwood, NE 68036
(402) 666-5617
Linwood, NE 68036
(402) 666-5617
Gr: K-8 | 7 students
400 East Spruce
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Gr: PK-6 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
400 East Spruce
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Gr: 7-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
4411 O Road
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 539-2195
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 539-2195
Gr: PK-8 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Butler County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Butler County, NE include Elementary School At Dwight, David City Elementary School and David City Secondary School.
How many public schools are located in Butler County?
6 public schools are located in Butler County.
What percentage of students in Butler County go to public school?
58% of all K-12 students in Butler County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Butler County?
Butler County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
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