For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,160 students in York County, NE (there are 4 private schools, serving 364 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in York County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in York County, NE are Heartland Community High School, Heartland Community Elementary School and York Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
York County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in York County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in York County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Heartland Community High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1501 Front St
Henderson, NE 68371
(402) 723-4434
Henderson, NE 68371
(402) 723-4434
Gr: 7-12 | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Heartland Community Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1501 Front St
Henderson, NE 68371
(402) 723-4434
Henderson, NE 68371
(402) 723-4434
Gr: PK-6 | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
York Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1730 N Delaware Ave
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-6655
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-6655
Gr: 6-8 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
Mc Cool Junction Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
209 South Gragan Ave
Mc Cool Junction, NE 68401
(402) 724-2231
Mc Cool Junction, NE 68401
(402) 724-2231
Gr: PK-6 | 119 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
York Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1501 Washington Ave
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-6655
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-6655
Gr: PK-5 | 615 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #66.
Mccool Junction Jr-sr High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
209 South Gragan Ave
Mc Cool Junction, NE 68401
(402) 724-2231
Mc Cool Junction, NE 68401
(402) 724-2231
Gr: 7-12 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #77.
York High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1005 Duke Dr
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-6655
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-6655
Gr: 9-12 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: n/an/a
1501 Washington Ave
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-6655
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-6655
Gr: PK | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 59:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
York County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Hwy 81 Box 135
Benedict, NE 68316
(402) 732-6677
Benedict, NE 68316
(402) 732-6677
Gr: 4-8 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Epworth Village Learning Center (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
1822 Iowa Ave
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-3625
York, NE 68467
(402) 362-3625
1501 Front St Po Box 626
Bradshaw, NE 68319
(402) 736-4353
Bradshaw, NE 68319
(402) 736-4353
Gr: 7-8 | 54 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
1501 Front St Po Box 626
Henderson, NE 68371
(402) 723-4434
Henderson, NE 68371
(402) 723-4434
Gr: 9-12 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
206 E Jackson Box 98
Bradshaw, NE 68319
(402) 736-4353
Bradshaw, NE 68319
(402) 736-4353
Gr: 7-8 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in York County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in York County, NE include Heartland Community High School, Heartland Community Elementary School and York Middle School.
How many public schools are located in York County?
8 public schools are located in York County.
What percentage of students in York County go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in York County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in York County?
York County public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in York County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in York County include: York Elementary School vs. Mc Cool Junction Elementary School, York Elementary School vs. Heartland Community Elementary School
Recent Articles
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.