For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 382 students in Harlan County, NE.
The top-ranked public schools in Harlan County, NE are Alma Elementary At Alma and Alma High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Harlan County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 77% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Harlan County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Harlan County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Alma Elementary At Alma
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
515 Jewell St
Alma, NE 68920
(308) 928-2131
Alma, NE 68920
(308) 928-2131
Gr: PK-6 | 192 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Alma High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
515 Jewell St
Alma, NE 68920
(308) 928-2131
Alma, NE 68920
(308) 928-2131
Gr: 7-12 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Harlan County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Box 477
Orleans, NE 68966
(308) 473-3185
Orleans, NE 68966
(308) 473-3185
Gr: PK-6 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Harlan County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Harlan County, NE include Alma Elementary At Alma and Alma High School.
How many public schools are located in Harlan County?
2 public schools are located in Harlan County.
What is the racial composition of students in Harlan County?
Harlan County public schools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Does Your Public School Have Enough Nurses?
Learn whether your public school has enough nurses, how staffing affects student safety, chronic illness management, emergency care, and what parents should ask about available school health services today.
When Your Child Falls Behind Without Special Education
Learn what happens when your child falls behind academically but doesn't qualify for special education, including available school interventions, parent rights, tutoring options, and practical strategies for securing support.
When Your Child Finishes Classwork Faster Than Others
Discover why some children finish classwork faster than classmates, how teachers manage early finishers, and what parents can do to ensure meaningful learning, appropriate challenges, and continued academic growth.
