Best Hamilton County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,659 students in Hamilton County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 6 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Hamilton County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hamilton County, NE are Hampton Elementary School, Aurora Elementary School and Giltner Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hamilton County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Hamilton County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Hamilton County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hampton Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
458 5th St
Hampton, NE 68843
(402) 725-3116
Gr: PK-6 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Aurora Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
300 H St
Aurora, NE 68818
(402) 694-6923
Gr: PK-5 | 520 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Giltner Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
#2 West 6th Rd
Giltner, NE 68841
(402) 849-2238
Gr: PK-6 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #44.
Aurora Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
300 L St
Aurora, NE 68818
(402) 694-6923
Gr: 6-8 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Hampton High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
458 5th St
Hampton, NE 68843
(402) 725-3116
Gr: 7-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #66.
Giltner High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
#2 West 6th Rd
Giltner, NE 68841
(402) 849-2238
Gr: 7-12 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Aurora High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
300 M St
Aurora, NE 68818
(402) 694-6923
Gr: 9-12 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
Aurora Preschool
409 J Street
Aurora, NE 68818
(402) 694-6923
Gr: PK | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 36:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Hamilton County, NE

Hamilton County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
558 5th St
Hampton, NE 68843
(402) 725-3285
Gr: PK | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
418 3rd St Box 45
Hordville, NE 68846
(402) 757-3351
Gr: PK-6 | 46 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Hamilton County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Hamilton County, NE include Hampton Elementary School, Aurora Elementary School and Giltner Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Hamilton County?
8 public schools are located in Hamilton County.
What percentage of students in Hamilton County go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Hamilton County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hamilton County?
Hamilton County public schools minority enrollment is 11% 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
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
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
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.

Quick Links