For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 862 students in Kearney County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Kearney County, NE are Axtell Elementary School, Minden East Elementary School and C L Jones Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kearney County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Kearney County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Kearney County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Axtell Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Gr: PK-6 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Minden East Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
123 N Minden Ave
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2460
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2460
Gr: PK-3 | 232 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
C L Jones Middle School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
520 W 3rd
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2338
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2338
Gr: 4-8 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Wilcox-hildreth Upper Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
613 Nelson Street
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 938-2415
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 938-2415
Gr: 3-5 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #55.
Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49% )
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
404 E Sapp St
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Gr: PK-6 | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Kearney County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Gr: 6-8 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Minden Public School Success Center (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
325 North Yates, Po Box 301
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
240 E 21st Culdesac
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1546
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1546
Gr: 9-12 | 8 students Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Kearney County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Kearney County, NE include Axtell Elementary School, Minden East Elementary School and C L Jones Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Kearney County?
5 public elementary schools are located in Kearney County.
What is the racial composition of students in Kearney County?
Kearney County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Kearney County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Kearney County include: Axtell Elementary School vs. Minden East Elementary School, Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School vs. Minden East Elementary School, Axtell Elementary School vs. Wilcox-hildreth Elementary School
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.