For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,642 students in 68602, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 68602, NE are Centennial Elementary School, Lost Creek Elementary School and North Park Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 68602 have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in 68602, NE have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best 68602, NE Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Centennial Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
500 Centennial St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Gr: PK-4 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #22.
Lost Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3772 33rd Ave
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Gr: PK-4 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #33.
North Park Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2200 31st St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Gr: PK-4 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #44.
Columbus Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2200 26th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Gr: 5-8 | 1,166 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
West Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4100 Adamy St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Gr: PK-4 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #66.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2410 20th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Gr: PK-4 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 68602, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 68602, NE include Centennial Elementary School, Lost Creek Elementary School and North Park Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 68602?
6 public elementary schools are located in 68602.
What is the racial composition of students in 68602?
68602 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.