For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 860 students in Merrick County, NE.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Merrick County, NE are Central City Elementary School, Palmer Elementary School and High Plains Community Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Merrick County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Merrick County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Merrick County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Central City Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1711 15th Ave
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3057
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3057
Grades: PK-4
| 317 students
Rank: #22.
Palmer Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Grades: PK-6
| 203 students
Rank: #33.
High Plains Community Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
205 W Pearl St
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Grades: PK-6
| 113 students
Rank: #44.
Central City Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2815 17th Ave
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3056
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3056
Grades: 5-8
| 227 students
Merrick County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1003 Cady St Po Box 206
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Grades: PK-8
| 102 students
1003 Cady St
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Grades: PK-5
| n/a students
205 W Pearl St
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Grades: 6-8
| 53 students
609 5th St
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Grades: PK-6
| 30 students
609 5th St Box 247
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Grades: 7-8
| 92 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Merrick County, NE?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Merrick County, NE include Central City Elementary School, Palmer Elementary School and High Plains Community Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Merrick County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Merrick County.
What is the racial composition of students in Merrick County?
Merrick County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Merrick County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Merrick County include: Central City Middle School vs. Central City Elementary School, Central City Elementary School vs. Central City Middle School
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