For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 432 students in Polk County, NE.
The top ranked public high schools in Polk County, NE are Osceola High School, Shelby - Rising City High School and Cross County High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NE public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Nebraska public high school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 47% statewide average). High schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public high schools.
Polk County, NE public high school have a Graduation Rate of 80%, which is less than the Nebraska average of 84%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Cross County High School, with ≥80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Nebraska or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 13% 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 Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Osceola High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
565 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Grades: 9-12
| 85 students
Rank: #22.
Shelby - Rising City High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: 9-12
| 122 students
Rank: #33.
Cross County High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1270 123rd Rd
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: 9-12
| 126 students
Rank: #44.
High Plains Community Jr/sr High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
345 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Grades: 7-12
| 99 students
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
260 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Grades: 4-5
| 41 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Polk County, NE?
The top ranked public high schools in Polk County, NE include Osceola High School, Shelby - Rising City High School and Cross County High School.
How many public high schools are located in Polk County?
4 public high schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public high schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high schools average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
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