For the 2025-26 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 Sterling Elementary School. 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 63% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), 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 (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
358 N 6th
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Gr: PK-3 | 162 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Johnson Co Central Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
407 N 1st St
Cook, NE 68392
(402) 864-4181
Cook, NE 68392
(402) 864-4181
Gr: 6-8 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Sterling Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
250 Main St
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Gr: PK-6 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Sterling High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
250 Main St
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Gr: 7-12 | 81 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Johnson Co Central Elem-cook
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
407 N 1st St
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4181
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4181
Gr: PK-5 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #66.
Johnson Co Central High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
358 N 6th
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Gr: 9-12 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Johnson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
407 N 1st Po Box 255
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-2024
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-2024
Gr: PK-6 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
475 Jefferson Po Box 8
Elk Creek, NE 68348
(402) 877-2175
Elk Creek, NE 68348
(402) 877-2175
Gr: PK-8 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
407 N 1st Po Box 255
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4171
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4171
Gr: 7-12 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
250 Main St, Box 39
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Gr: 6-8 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
358 N 6th St Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Gr: PK-6 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
358 N 6th Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Gr: 7-12 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
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 Sterling Elementary School.
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).
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.