Best Schools in Kearney, Nebraska
17 schools · 11 Elementary · 2 Middle · 3 High · 1 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.5/10
- Median household income
- $75,114
- Median home value
- $251,700
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 38%
- Avg commute
- 15 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 63%
41% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Kearney compares
Nebraska rank
#41 of 98
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.2
above Nebraska avg (6.3)
Median household income
$75k
101% of Nebraska median
Schools in this city
17
About Schools in Kearney, Nebraska
Kearney, Nebraska is home to 17 schools, including 15 public schools and 2 private schools. The city's schools span 11 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
With an average rating of 6.5 out of 10, schools in Kearney show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Kearney is Windy Hills Elementary School with a composite score of 7.8/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Kearney is served by 2 school districts: WEST KEARNEY HIGH SCHOOL, KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. These districts collectively serve 6,118 students.
Kearney's community shows 38% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $75,114. The poverty rate in the area is 12.2%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
11 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 255 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.8 | ||
| 2 | 399 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.7 | ||
| 3 | 385 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.4 | ||
| 4 | 243 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.3 | ||
| 5 | 211 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.2 | ||
| 6 | 298 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.7 | ||
| 7 | 271 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.6 | ||
| 8 | 418 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.6 | ||
| 9 | 275 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.5 | ||
| 10 | 126 students · Pre-K–5th | 5.2 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Private
118 students · Pre-K–8th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 631 students · 6th–8th | 7.3 |
| 2 | 543 students · 6th–8th | 5.5 |
High Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 54 students · 9th–12th | 7.3 | ||
| 2 | 1,654 students · 9th–12th | 4.8 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF KEARNEY
Private
363 students · 6th–12th | Not Rated | ||
Other Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 355 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 5.6 |
Schools in Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska · 17 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 2 ZIP codes
Median Income
$75,114
Median Home Value
$251,700
Median Rent
$924/mo
Population
38,923
College Educated
38%
Homeownership
63%
Avg Commute
15 min
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Community Profile
Kearney has a median household income of $75,114. It is an area where 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $251,700, with a median rent of $924/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.2%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 15 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Nebraska
- Total Schools
- 17
- Elementary
- 11
- Middle
- 2
- High
- 3
- Districts
- 2
- Avg Rating
- 6.5/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Nebraska
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Kearney, Nebraska
How many schools are in Kearney, Nebraska?
Kearney has 17 schools, including 15 public and 2 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Kearney, Nebraska?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Kearney is 6.5 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Kearney, Nebraska?
The top-ranked school in Kearney on MySchoolScout is Windy Hills Elementary School with a composite score of 7.8/10.
What is the best elementary school in Kearney, Nebraska?
The top-ranked elementary school in Kearney on MySchoolScout is Windy Hills Elementary School with a composite score of 7.8/10.
What is the best middle school in Kearney, Nebraska?
The top-ranked middle school in Kearney on MySchoolScout is Horizon Middle School with a composite score of 7.3/10.
What is the best high school in Kearney, Nebraska?
The top-ranked high school in Kearney on MySchoolScout is West Kearney High School with a composite score of 7.3/10.
How many school districts serve Kearney, Nebraska?
Kearney is served by 2 school districts: West Kearney High School, Kearney Public Schools.
What is the education level in Kearney, Nebraska?
According to Census data, 38% of adults in Kearney have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Kearney, Nebraska?
The median household income in Kearney is approximately $75,114 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Kearney, Nebraska?
Yes, Kearney has 2 private schools alongside 15 public schools. The top-rated private school is Catholic High School of Kearney with a score of 5.9/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Kearney, Nebraska?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Kearney is 15.6:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Kearney, Nebraska?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Nebraska Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.