For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 1,176 students in Dawes County, NE (there are 2 private schools, serving 42 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Dawes County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dawes County, NE are Chadron Senior High School, Chadron Middle School and Crawford High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dawes County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Dawes County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Dawes County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chadron Senior High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
901 Cedar
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0707
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0707
Gr: 9-12 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Chadron Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
551 E 6th St
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0708
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0708
Gr: 5-8 | 295 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
Crawford High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
908 5th St
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-1531
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-1531
Gr: 7-12 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Crawford Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
908 5th St
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-1928
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-1928
Gr: PK-6 | 87 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #55.
Pine Ridge Job Corps
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
15710 Hwy 385
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-8650
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-8650
Gr: 10-12 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #66.
Chadron Intermediate
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
450 W Norfolk
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0717
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0717
Gr: 3-4 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
732 Ann St
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0710
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0710
Gr: PK-2 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dawes County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Dawes County, NE include Chadron Senior High School, Chadron Middle School and Crawford High School.
How many public schools are located in Dawes County?
7 public schools are located in Dawes County.
What percentage of students in Dawes County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Dawes County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dawes County?
Dawes County public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Dawes County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dawes County include: Crawford High School vs. Chadron Senior High School, Chadron Senior High School vs. Crawford High School
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