For the 2025 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 3,779 students in Saline County, NE (there are , serving 109 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Saline County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Saline County, NE are Tri County Elementary School, Crete Elementary School and Friend Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Saline County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Saline County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Saline County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Tri County Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
72520 Hwy 103
De Witt, NE 68341
(402) 683-4035
De Witt, NE 68341
(402) 683-4035
Grades: PK-6
| 232 students
Rank: #22.
Crete Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 90% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
309 E 11th St
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5822
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5822
Grades: PK-2
| 444 students
Rank: #33.
Friend Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
501 Main St
Friend, NE 68359
(402) 947-2781
Friend, NE 68359
(402) 947-2781
Grades: PK-6
| 144 students
Rank: #44.
Crete Intermediate School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1700 Glenwood Ave
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5833
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5833
Grades: 3-5
| 447 students
Rank: #55.
Friend High Schools
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
501 Main St
Friend, NE 68359
(402) 947-2781
Friend, NE 68359
(402) 947-2781
Grades: 7-12
| 98 students
Rank: #66.
Dorchester Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
506 W 9th
Dorchester, NE 68343
(402) 946-2781
Dorchester, NE 68343
(402) 946-2781
Grades: PK-6
| 152 students
Rank: #77.
Tri County Jr-sr High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
72520 Hwy 103
De Witt, NE 68341
(402) 683-2015
De Witt, NE 68341
(402) 683-2015
Grades: 7-12
| 188 students
Rank: #88.
Wilber-clatonia High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 South Franklin Street
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2058
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2058
Grades: 9-12
| 199 students
Rank: #99.
Crete Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1500 E 15th St
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5844
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5844
Grades: 6-8
| 495 students
Rank: #1010.
Elementary School At Wilber
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 South Franklin Street
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2141
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2141
Grades: PK-5
| 261 students
Rank: #1111.
Dorchester High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
506 W 9th
Dorchester, NE 68343
(402) 946-2781
Dorchester, NE 68343
(402) 946-2781
Grades: 7-12
| 93 students
Rank: #1212.
Crete High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1750 Iris Ave
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5811
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5811
Grades: 9-12
| 703 students
Rank: #1313.
Wilber-clatonia Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
900 South Franklin St
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2058
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2058
Grades: 6-8
| 144 students
Rank: n/an/a
Crete Success Academy
Alternative School
1500 E 15th Street
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5811
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5811
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Saline County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
506 W 9th
Dorchester, NE 68343
(402) 946-2781
Dorchester, NE 68343
(402) 946-2781
Grades: PK
| 30 students
251 County Road 2300
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5558
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5558
Grades: PK-8
| 13 students
204 E Spruce Box 488
Western, NE 68464
(402) 433-2761
Western, NE 68464
(402) 433-2761
Grades: PK-8
| 18 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Saline County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Saline County, NE include Tri County Elementary School, Crete Elementary School and Friend Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Saline County?
15 public schools are located in Saline County.
What percentage of students in Saline County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Saline County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Saline County?
Saline County public schools minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Saline County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Saline County include: Friend Elementary School vs. Tri County Elementary School, Tri County Elementary School vs. Friend Elementary School, Tri County Elementary School vs. Crete Elementary School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
