For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,388 students in Kearney County, NE.
The top ranked public schools in Kearney County, NE are Axtell Elementary School, Minden East Elementary School and Axtell High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kearney County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Kearney County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Kearney County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Axtell Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Grades: PK-6
| 190 students
Rank: #22.
Minden East Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
123 N Minden Ave
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2460
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2460
Grades: PK-3
| 232 students
Rank: #33.
Axtell High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Grades: 7-12
| 138 students
Rank: #44.
Wilcox-hildreth Jr/sr High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
404 E Sapp St
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Grades: 7-12
| 107 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Minden High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
622 West Third
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Grades: 9-12
| 244 students
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Wilcox-hildreth Upper Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
613 Nelson Street
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 938-2415
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 938-2415
Grades: 3-5
| 45 students
Rank: #77.
C L Jones Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
520 W 3rd
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2338
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2338
Grades: 4-8
| 305 students
Rank: #88.
Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49% )
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
404 E Sapp St
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Grades: PK-6
| 90 students
Rank: n/an/a
427 N Park St
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1666
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1666
Grades: PK
| 37 students
Kearney County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Grades: 6-8
| 66 students
Minden Public School Success Center (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
325 North Yates, Po Box 301
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
240 E 21st Culdesac
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1546
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1546
Grades: 9-12
| 8 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Kearney County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Kearney County, NE include Axtell Elementary School, Minden East Elementary School and Axtell High School.
How many public schools are located in Kearney County?
9 public schools are located in Kearney County.
What is the racial composition of students in Kearney County?
Kearney County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Kearney County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Kearney County include: Axtell Elementary School vs. Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School, Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School vs. Axtell Elementary School, Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School vs. Minden East Elementary School
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