Excellent
#167 of 967 schools in NE
Top 17% in state
Central Elementary School
Elementary School · KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
300 W 24TH ST, Kearney, NE 68845
Enrollment
271
Student-Teacher
14.3:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
271
Student-Teacher
14.3:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Nebraska schools
#167 of 967
In Kearney
#3 of 15
public schools
In district
#3 of 14
KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Academic growth
9.1 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Central Elementary School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Central Elementary School
Elementary School in Kearney · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Park Elementary School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Zion Lutheran School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Central Elementary School
Central Elementary School is a public elementary school in Kearney, NE, part of KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Central Elementary School serves approximately 271 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranks #167 of 967 schools in NE.
Structured state assessment records for Central Elementary School show 76% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 8.1 · Excellent
- District avg 7.0
- NE avg 6.3
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Central Elementary School — Students at Central Elementary School score 60% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 50%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
73.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NE EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from NE state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.1/10.
How Central Elementary School Compares
See how Central Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
300 W 24TH ST, Kearney, NE 68845
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 0.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is MEADOWLARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 2.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, WINDY HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Kearney, see our Kearney schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney | 0.5 mi | 8.3 |
| ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL Kearney | 0.5 mi | 5.2 |
| KEARNEY EDUCATION CENTER Kearney | 0.6 mi | 3.6 |
| BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney | 0.7 mi | 5.5 |
| EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney | 0.7 mi | 4.8 |
| CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF KEARNEY Kearney | 0.9 mi | 5.9 |
| HORIZON MIDDLE SCHOOL Kearney | 1.0 mi | 6.7 |
| NORTHEAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney | 1.2 mi | 5.4 |
| KENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney | 1.3 mi | 7.7 |
| WINDY HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney | 1.7 mi | 7.9 |
| SUNRISE MIDDLE SCHOOL Kearney | 1.9 mi | 6.2 |
| MEADOWLARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney | 2.2 mi | 8.3 |
| BUFFALO HILLS ELEMENTARY Kearney | 2.5 mi | 7.1 |
| WEST KEARNEY HIGH SCHOOL Kearney | 2.0 mi | 6.2 |
| KEARNEY HIGH SCHOOL Kearney | 2.1 mi | 5.8 |
| GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney | 3.8 mi | 7.4 |
| AXTELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Axtell | 15.2 mi | 7.3 |
| AXTELL HIGH SCHOOL Axtell | 15.2 mi | 8.3 |
| AMHERST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Amherst | 13.4 mi | 7.9 |
| AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL Amherst | 13.4 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 68845 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,350
Median Home Value
$274,200
Median Rent
$896/mo
Population
21,012
College Educated
40.9%
Homeownership
57.6%
Avg Commute
15.6 min
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Median Age
33.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ASHLAND-GREENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ashland, NE | 8.1 |
| CENTENNIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Utica, NE | 8.1 |
| DONIPHAN-TRUMBULL ELEMENTARY Doniphan, NE | 8.1 |
| MARY LYNCH ELEMENTARY Kimball, NE | 8.1 |
| PALMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palmer, NE | 8.1 |
| SHELL CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Columbus, NE | 8.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Elementary School
What grades does Central Elementary School serve?
Central Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 271 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School is 14.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Elementary School rank in NE?
Central Elementary School ranks #167 of 967 schools in NE.
What is Central Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Central Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Elementary School has 76% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Central Elementary School a charter school?
No, Central Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Central Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Elementary School?
73.8% of students at Central Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 271
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 19
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 73.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Buffalo County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 10.3%
- Phone
- (308) 698-8040
Resources & Links
District
KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS- District Enrollment
- 6,064
- Schools in District
- 15
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,473
- District Rank
- #3 of 14
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateGet 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.