For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 550 students in Kearney County, NE.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Kearney County, NE are Axtell High School, Wilcox-hildreth Jr/sr High 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 middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Nebraska public middle school average of 61%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in Kearney County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public middle school average of 34% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Kearney County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Axtell High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Gr: 7-12 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Wilcox-hildreth Jr/sr High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
404 E Sapp St
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Gr: 7-12 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
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%
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 middle schools in Kearney County, NE?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Kearney County, NE include Axtell High School, Wilcox-hildreth Jr/sr High School and C L Jones Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Kearney County?
3 public middle schools are located in Kearney County.
What is the racial composition of students in Kearney County?
Kearney County public middle schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public middle schools average of 34% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Transitioning to High School: A Family Guide
Learn how to prepare for high school with practical tips for families before freshman year, from academics to social readiness.
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Transitioning to Middle School: Summer Planning Guide
A practical 2026 summer planning guide to help parents support a smooth middle school transition for their child.