Raymond A Watson Elementary School

1720 N Crane
Hastings, NE 68901
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 336 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Raymond A Watson Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Nebraska for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 58%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the Nebraska state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 336 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 34%
  • : Bottom 50% in NE
  • : 50-54% (Btm 50%)
  • : 35-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60-69% (Top 50%)
  • : Raymond A. Watson Elementary School serves the northwest part of Hastings, NE, covering an area of approximately 1.7 square miles. Families typically have a drive of about 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest boundary being around 2.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education

School Overview

Raymond A Watson Elementary School's student population of 336 students has declined by 29% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
336 students

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

School Calendar

School Rankings

Raymond A Watson Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 901 schools in Nebraska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Raymond A Watson Elementary School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NE)
#679 out of 901 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

50-54%
58%

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

35-39%
47%

Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data

60-69%
62%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Asian
2%
3%

Showing 2012–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Hispanic
24%
23%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 33-year historical data

Black
1%
7%

Showing 2012–2025. View full 38-year historical data

White
66%
61%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Two or more races
7%
5%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 14-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
34%
0.51

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

(22-23)
13.1%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
35%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Raymond A Watson Elementary School's ranking?
Raymond A Watson Elementary School is ranked #679 out of 901 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Nebraska.
What schools are Raymond A Watson Elementary School often compared to?
Raymond A Watson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hawthorne Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 58% NE state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% NE state average).
How many students attend Raymond A Watson Elementary School?
336 students attend Raymond A Watson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Raymond A Watson Elementary School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Raymond A Watson Elementary School?
Raymond A Watson Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 12:1.
What grades does Raymond A Watson Elementary School offer ?
Raymond A Watson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Raymond A Watson Elementary School part of?
Raymond A Watson Elementary School is part of Hastings School District.

School Reviews

Review Raymond A Watson Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can a public school charge for a course your child needs to graduate? Learn how state rules, course alternatives, summer programs, and fee waivers affect the answer, plus what parents should request before paying, accepting a substitute, or challenging a charge that threatens graduation plans.
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
School accounts may close after graduation or a transfer, leaving important projects inaccessible. Learn what families should save, which deadlines to confirm, how to check exported files, and why shared links alone may not preserve your child's work for future applications, learning, or personal memories.
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
Is your child's school commute becoming too demanding? Learn how to weigh educational benefits against daily strain, recognize warning signs, explore practical adjustments, and decide when a closer school fits.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 336 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 34%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 50-54% (Btm 50%)
  • : 35-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60-69% (Top 50%)
  • : Raymond A. Watson Elementary School serves the northwest part of Hastings, NE, covering an area of approximately 1.7 square miles. Families typically have a drive of about 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest boundary being around 2.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education

Quick Links