For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 633 students in Merrick County, NE.
The top ranked public preschools in Merrick County, NE are High Plains Community Elementary School, Palmer Elementary School and Central City Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Merrick County, NE public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the Nebraska public pre school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 50% statewide average). Pre schools in Merrick County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public preschool average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Merrick County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
High Plains Community Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 W Pearl St
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Gr: PK-6 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Palmer Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Gr: PK-6 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Central City Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1711 15th Ave
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3057
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3057
Gr: PK-4 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 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 preschools in Merrick County, NE?
The top ranked public preschools in Merrick County, NE include High Plains Community Elementary School, Palmer Elementary School and Central City Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Merrick County?
3 public preschools are located in Merrick County.
What is the racial composition of students in Merrick County?
Merrick County public preschools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public preschools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
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