For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,145 students in 68602, NE.
The top-ranked public schools in 68602, NE are Centennial Elementary School, Lost Creek Elementary School and North Park Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 68602 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 68602, NE have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best 68602, NE Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Centennial Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
500 Centennial St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Gr: PK-4 | 347 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Lost Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3772 33rd Ave
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Gr: PK-4 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #33.
North Park Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2200 31st St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Gr: PK-4 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #44.
Columbus Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2200 26th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Gr: 5-8 | 1,207 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #55.
West Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4100 Adamy St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Gr: PK-4 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
Columbus High School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3434 Discoverer Drive
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7050
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7050
Gr: 9-12 | 1,295 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #77.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2410 20th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Gr: PK-4 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: n/an/a
2410 16th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Gr: PK | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: n/an/a
2508 27th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Gr: PK
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 68602, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in 68602, NE include Centennial Elementary School, Lost Creek Elementary School and North Park Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 68602?
9 public schools are located in 68602.
What is the racial composition of students in 68602?
68602 public schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What It Takes to Run a Public School Day-to-Day
Explore what it takes to run a public school daily, from leadership and staffing to budgeting, safety, and student support systems.
Restorative Justice in Schools: What the Data Shows
Explore restorative justice in schools, including discipline data, outcomes, and implementation insights for educators and families.
Year-Round School Calendars: Pros, Cons, Research
Explore year-round school calendars, including benefits, drawbacks, and what academic research says about student outcomes.