For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,388 students in Kearney County, NE.
The top ranked public schools in Kearney County, NE are Axtell Elementary School, Axtell High School and Minden East Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kearney County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Kearney 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 Kearney County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Axtell Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Gr: PK-6 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Axtell High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Gr: 7-12 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Minden East Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
123 N Minden Ave
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2460
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2460
Gr: PK-3 | 232 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Wilcox-hildreth Jr/sr High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
404 E Sapp St
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Gr: 7-12 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #55.
C L Jones Middle School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
520 W 3rd
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2338
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2338
Gr: 4-8 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Minden High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
622 West Third
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Gr: 9-12 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Wilcox-hildreth Upper Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
613 Nelson Street
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 938-2415
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 938-2415
Gr: 3-5 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #88.
Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49% )
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
404 E Sapp St
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Gr: PK-6 | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: n/an/a
427 N Park St
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1666
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1666
Gr: PK | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 37:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Kearney County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Gr: 6-8 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Minden Public School Success Center (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
325 North Yates, Po Box 301
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
240 E 21st Culdesac
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1546
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1546
Gr: 9-12 | 8 students Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Kearney County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Kearney County, NE include Axtell Elementary School, Axtell High School and Minden East Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Kearney County?
9 public schools are located in Kearney County.
What is the racial composition of students in Kearney County?
Kearney 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 Kearney County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Kearney County include: Axtell Elementary School vs. Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School, Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School vs. Minden East Elementary School, Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School vs. Axtell Elementary School
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