For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 944 students in Howard County, NE (there are , serving 19 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Howard County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Howard County, NE are St. Libory Elementary School, St. Paul Elementary School and St. Paul Jr/sr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Howard County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
St. Libory Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
435 St Paul Road
Saint Libory, NE 68872
(308) 687-6475
Saint Libory, NE 68872
(308) 687-6475
Gr: PK-8 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
St. Paul Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: PK-6 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
St. Paul Jr/sr High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: 7-12 | 295 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Elba Secondary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
711 Caroline St
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Gr: 7-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #55.
Elba Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
711 Caroline St
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Gr: PK-6 | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
400 Ramsey St
Farwell, NE 68838
(308) 336-3286
Farwell, NE 68838
(308) 336-3286
Gr: PK-6 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
400 Ramsey St Po Box 49
Farwell, NE 68838
(308) 336-3286
Farwell, NE 68838
(308) 336-3286
Gr: PK-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: 9-12 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: 7-8 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Howard County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Howard County, NE include St. Libory Elementary School, St. Paul Elementary School and St. Paul Jr/sr High School.
How many public schools are located in Howard County?
5 public schools are located in Howard County.
What percentage of students in Howard County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Howard County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Howard County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Howard County include: St. Libory Elementary School vs. St. Paul Elementary School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.