For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,270 students in Jefferson County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 81 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, NE are Diller-odell Elementary School, Meridian Elementary School and Meridian High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jefferson County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Jefferson County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Diller-odell Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
315 Smith St
Diller, NE 68342
(402) 793-5570
Diller, NE 68342
(402) 793-5570
Gr: PK-6 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Meridian Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
72380 560th Ave
Daykin, NE 68338
(402) 446-7265
Daykin, NE 68338
(402) 446-7265
Gr: PK-6 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Meridian High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
72380 560th Ave
Daykin, NE 68338
(402) 446-7265
Daykin, NE 68338
(402) 446-7265
Gr: 7-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Fairbury Jr-sr High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1501 9th St
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-6116
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-6116
Gr: 7-12 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
Jefferson Intermediate School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
924 K Street
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-5041
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-5041
Gr: 3-6 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
808 F St
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-2418
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-2418
Gr: PK-2 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Jefferson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Life Program (Closed 2014)
Special Education School
1010 K St
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-5605
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-5605
Gr: 3-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, NE include Diller-odell Elementary School, Meridian Elementary School and Meridian High School.
How many public schools are located in Jefferson County?
6 public schools are located in Jefferson County.
What percentage of students in Jefferson County go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.