For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 745 students in Johnson County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 22 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Johnson County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE are Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh, Johnson Co Central Middle School and Johnson Co Central Elem-cook. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Johnson County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Johnson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Johnson County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
358 N 6th
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Grades: PK-3
| 162 students
Rank: #22.
Johnson Co Central Middle School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
407 N 1st St
Cook, NE 68392
(402) 864-4181
Cook, NE 68392
(402) 864-4181
Grades: 6-8
| 120 students
Rank: #33.
Johnson Co Central Elem-cook
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
407 N 1st St
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4181
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4181
Grades: PK-5
| 82 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Sterling Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
250 Main St
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Grades: PK-6
| 143 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Sterling High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
250 Main St
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Grades: 7-12
| 81 students
Rank: #66.
Johnson Co Central High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
358 N 6th
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Grades: 9-12
| 157 students
Johnson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
407 N 1st Po Box 255
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-2024
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-2024
Grades: PK-6
| 109 students
475 Jefferson Po Box 8
Elk Creek, NE 68348
(402) 877-2175
Elk Creek, NE 68348
(402) 877-2175
Grades: PK-8
| 10 students
407 N 1st Po Box 255
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4171
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4171
Grades: 7-12
| 103 students
250 Main St, Box 39
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Grades: 6-8
| 44 students
358 N 6th St Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Grades: PK-6
| 210 students
358 N 6th Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Grades: 7-12
| 211 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE include Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh, Johnson Co Central Middle School and Johnson Co Central Elem-cook.
How many public schools are located in Johnson County?
6 public schools are located in Johnson County.
What percentage of students in Johnson County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Johnson County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Johnson County?
Johnson County public schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
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