For the 2024 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 1,115 students in Polk County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 16 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Polk County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%). Polk County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Nebraska.
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, NE are Osceola Elementary School, Cross County High School and Shelby - Rising City High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk 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 51% (versus the 48% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Osceola Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
341 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-2091
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-2091
Grades: PK-5
| 107 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Cross County High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1270 123rd Rd
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: 9-12
| 135 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Shelby - Rising City High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: 9-12
| 102 students
Rank: #44.
Cross County Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1270 123rd Road
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: PK-5
| 153 students
Rank: #55.
Cross County Middle School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1270 123rd Rd
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: 6-8
| 78 students
Rank: #66.
Osceola High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
565 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Grades: 9-12
| 67 students
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
High Plains Community Jr/sr High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
345 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Grades: 7-12
| 114 students
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Osceola Middle School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
565 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Grades: 6-8
| 60 students
Rank: #99.
Shelby - Rising City Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: PK-5
| 205 students
Rank: #1010.
Shelby - Rising City Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut St
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: 6-8
| 94 students
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
260 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Grades: 4-5
| 41 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Polk County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, NE include Osceola Elementary School, Cross County High School and Shelby - Rising City High School. Polk County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Nebraska.
How many public schools are located in Polk County, NE?
10 public schools are located in Polk County, NE.
What percentage of students in Polk County, NE go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Polk County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County, NE?
Polk County, NE public schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
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