For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 869 students in 68601, NE (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,326 private students). 40% 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 (2026-27)
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?
40% 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 Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.