For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 3,048 students in Columbus, NE.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Columbus, NE are Shell Creek Elementary School, Richland Elementary School and Centennial Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Columbus, NE (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Shell Creek Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
16786 280th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Grades: PK-6
| 346 students
Rank: #22.
Richland Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
595 Road 3
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-6900
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-6900
Grades: 3-5
| 30 students
Rank: #33.
Centennial Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
500 Centennial St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Grades: PK-4
| 347 students
Rank: #44.
West Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4100 Adamy St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Grades: PK-4
| 231 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Lost Creek Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3772 33rd Ave
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Grades: PK-4
| 313 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
North Park Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2200 31st St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Grades: PK-4
| 299 students
Rank: #77.
Columbus Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2200 26th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Grades: 5-8
| 1,207 students
Rank: #88.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2410 20th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Grades: PK-4
| 275 students
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
Grades: PK-12
| n/a students
Columbus, Nebraska Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
3020 18th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4949
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4949
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Columbus Early Learning Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2657 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Grades: PK-12
| 7 students
860 E 29th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Grades: PK-8
| 161 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Columbus, NE?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Columbus, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School, Richland Elementary School and Centennial Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbus?
9 public elementary schools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public elementary schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Columbus include: Emerson Elementary School vs. North Park Elementary School, Lost Creek Elementary School vs. North Park Elementary School, North Park Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School
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