For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 869 students in 68601, NE (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,336 private students). 39% of all K-12 students in 68601, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in 68601, NE are Shell Creek Elementary School, Lakeview Junior High School and Lakeview High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 68601 have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 68601, NE have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best 68601, NE Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shell Creek Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
16786 280th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Gr: PK-6 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Lakeview Junior High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3744 83rd Street
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Gr: 7-8 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Lakeview High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3744 83rd St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Gr: 9-12 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
Esu 7 Bridges
Special Education School
2563 44th Avenue
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Esu 7 Learning Academy
Alternative School
2567 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12
68601, Nebraska Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Columbus Early Learning Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2657 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
860 E 29th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Gr: PK-8 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 68601, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in 68601, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School, Lakeview Junior High School and Lakeview High School.
How many public schools are located in 68601?
6 public schools are located in 68601.
What percentage of students in 68601 go to public school?
39% of all K-12 students in 68601 are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in 68601?
68601 public schools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How to Read a School Improvement Plan Before Choosing a School
Learn how to read a school improvement plan, identify meaningful goals, and evaluate whether a school's improvement efforts align with your child's educational needs.
Should You Move for a Better Public School? A Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Considering a move to a better public school? Explore the financial, academic, and lifestyle tradeoffs before making one of your family's biggest decisions.
When a Higher-Rated School Isn't the Better Fit
Discover why the highest-rated public school may not always be the best choice and learn how to evaluate schools based on your child's unique needs.