For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 1,130 students in Polk County, NE (there are , serving 21 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Polk County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, NE are Cross County Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School and Cross County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cross County Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1270 123rd Road
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: PK-5
| 168 students
Rank: #22.
Osceola Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
341 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-2091
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-2091
Grades: PK-5
| 116 students
Rank: #33.
Cross County Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1270 123rd Rd
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: 6-8
| 86 students
Rank: #44.
Shelby - Rising City High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: 9-12
| 122 students
Rank: #55.
Osceola Middle School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
565 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Grades: 6-8
| 42 students
Rank: #66.
Shelby - Rising City Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: PK-5
| 202 students
Rank: #77.
Cross County High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1270 123rd Rd
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Grades: 9-12
| 126 students
Rank: #88.
Osceola High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
565 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Grades: 9-12
| 85 students
Rank: #99.
High Plains Community Jr/sr High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
345 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Grades: 7-12
| 99 students
Rank: #1010.
Shelby - Rising City Middle School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut St
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Grades: 6-8
| 84 students
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
260 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Grades: 4-5
| 41 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Polk County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, NE include Cross County Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School and Cross County Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Polk County?
10 public schools are located in Polk County.
What percentage of students in Polk County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Polk County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
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