For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 698 students in Polk County, NE.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, NE are Cross County Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School and Osceola Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% 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 Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cross County Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1270 123rd Road
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: PK-5
| 168 students
Rank: #22.
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
| 116 students
Rank: #33.
Osceola Middle School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
565 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Grades: 6-8
| 42 students
Rank: #44.
Cross County Middle School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1270 123rd Rd
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: 6-8
| 86 students
Rank: #55.
Shelby - Rising City Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: PK-5
| 202 students
Rank: #66.
Shelby - Rising City Middle School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut St
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: 6-8
| 84 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 elementary schools in Polk County, NE?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, NE include Cross County Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School and Osceola Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Polk County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.