For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 352 students in Merrick County, NE.
The top ranked public high schools in Merrick County, NE are Palmer Junior-senior High School and Central City High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Merrick County, NE public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Nebraska public high school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). High schools in Merrick County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Nebraska public high schools.
Merrick County, NE public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the Nebraska average of 84%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Central City High School, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Nebraska or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high school average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Merrick County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Palmer Junior-senior High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Grades: 7-12
| 115 students
Rank: #22.
Central City High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1510 28th St
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Grades: 9-12
| 237 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 high schools in Merrick County, NE?
The top ranked public high schools in Merrick County, NE include Palmer Junior-senior High School and Central City High School.
How many public high schools are located in Merrick County?
2 public high schools are located in Merrick County.
What is the racial composition of students in Merrick County?
Merrick County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high schools average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Merrick County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Merrick County include: Central City High School vs. Palmer Junior-senior High School
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