For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 1,989 students in Columbus, NE.
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, NE are Shell Creek Elementary School, Centennial Elementary School and Lost Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, NE public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Nebraska public pre school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 50% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public preschool average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Columbus, NE (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shell Creek Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
16786 280th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Gr: PK-6 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #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.
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
Esu 7 Learning Academy
Alternative School
2567 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12
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
Columbus, Nebraska Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Columbus Early Learning Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2657 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
860 E 29th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Gr: PK-8 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, NE?
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School, Centennial Elementary School and Lost Creek Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbus?
9 public preschools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public preschools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public preschools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Columbus include: Emerson Elementary School vs. North Park Elementary School, Lost Creek Elementary School vs. North Park Elementary School, North Park Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School
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