For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 352 students in Merrick County, NE.
The top-ranked public high schools in Merrick County, NE are Palmer Junior-senior High School and Central City High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Merrick County, NE public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Nebraska public high school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). High schools in Merrick County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public high schools.
Merrick County, NE public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is equal to the Nebraska average of 84%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Central City High School, with 80-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Nebraska or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high school average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Merrick County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palmer Junior-senior High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Gr: 7-12 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Central City High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1510 28th St
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Gr: 9-12 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Merrick County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1003 Cady St Po Box 206
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Gr: PK-8 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
205 W Pearl St
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Gr: 6-8 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
609 5th St
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Gr: PK-6 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
609 5th St Box 247
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Gr: 7-8 | 92 students Minority enrollment: 3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Merrick County, NE?
The top-ranked public high schools in Merrick County, NE include Palmer Junior-senior High School and Central City High School.
How many public high schools are located in Merrick County?
2 public high schools are located in Merrick County.
What is the racial composition of students in Merrick County?
Merrick County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high schools average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Merrick County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Merrick County include: Palmer Junior-senior High School vs. Central City High School, Central City High School vs. Palmer Junior-senior High School
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