For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 352 students in Merrick County, NE.
The top ranked public high schools in Merrick County, NE are Palmer Junior-senior High School and Central City High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Merrick County, NE public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Nebraska public high school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). High schools in Merrick County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public high schools.
Merrick County, NE public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is equal to the Nebraska average of 84%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Central City High School, with 80-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Nebraska or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high school average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Merrick County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palmer Junior-senior High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Gr: 7-12 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Central City High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1510 28th St
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Gr: 9-12 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Merrick County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1003 Cady St Po Box 206
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Gr: PK-8 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
205 W Pearl St
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Gr: 6-8 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
609 5th St
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Gr: PK-6 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
609 5th St Box 247
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Gr: 7-8 | 92 students Minority enrollment: 3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Merrick County, NE?
The top ranked public high schools in Merrick County, NE include Palmer Junior-senior High School and Central City High School.
How many public high schools are located in Merrick County?
2 public high schools are located in Merrick County.
What is the racial composition of students in Merrick County?
Merrick County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high schools average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Merrick County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Merrick County include: Palmer Junior-senior High School vs. Central City High School, Central City High School vs. Palmer Junior-senior High 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.