Needs Improvement
#946 of 967 schools in NE
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School
Middle School · SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5
850 S NEVADA PO BOX 368, Nelson, NE 68961
Enrollment
47
Student-Teacher
23.5:1
Score
2.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
47
Student-Teacher
23.5:1
Score
2.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Nebraska schools
#946 of 967
In Nelson
#2 of 2
public schools
In district
#6 of 6
SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5
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Lawrence - Nelson Middle School
Middle School in Nelson · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Lawrence/nelson High Sch
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Superior SR High School
12.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Lawrence - Nelson Middle School
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School is a public middle school in Nelson, NE, part of SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5. Lawrence - Nelson Middle School serves approximately 47 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 23.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Lawrence - Nelson Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 out of 10 and ranks #946 of 967 schools in NE.
Structured state assessment records for Lawrence - Nelson Middle School show 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2022) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2022).
- This school 2.8 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.3
- NE avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
At 47 students, Lawrence - Nelson Middle School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School runs 23.5:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School — Students at Lawrence - Nelson Middle School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
42.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NE EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 16 test records from NE state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 1.6/10.
How Lawrence - Nelson Middle School Compares
See how Lawrence - Nelson Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
850 S NEVADA PO BOX 368, Nelson, NE 68961
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Lawrence - Nelson Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. BRUNING-DAVENPORT MIDDLE SCH (rated 7.1/10, 16.1 miles away, in nearby Davenport), which scores notably higher. Another option is HARVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 29.4 miles away, in nearby Harvard), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SANDY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL (rated 5.9/10, 16.4 miles away, in nearby Fairfield), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Nelson, see our Nelson schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 29.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| LAWRENCE/NELSON HIGH SCH Nelson | 0.0 mi | 7.0 |
| SUPERIOR SR HIGH SCHOOL Superior | 12.0 mi | 6.0 |
| SUPERIOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Superior | 12.0 mi | 5.5 |
| SUPERIOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Superior | 12.0 mi | 5.3 |
| LAWRENCE/NELSON ELEMENTARY SCH Lawrence | 11.7 mi | 6.8 |
| SANDY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL Fairfield | 16.4 mi | 6.6 |
| SANDY CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fairfield | 16.4 mi | 6.8 |
| SANDY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL Fairfield | 16.4 mi | 5.9 |
| BRUNING-DAVENPORT MIDDLE SCH Davenport | 16.1 mi | 7.1 |
| BRUNING-DAVENPORT ELEM/DAVENPT Davenport | 16.1 mi | 8.8 |
| DESHLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Deshler | 19.0 mi | 6.9 |
| DESHLER HIGH SCHOOL Deshler | 19.0 mi | 6.7 |
| DESHLER LUTHERAN SCHOOL Deshler | 19.0 mi | 5.1 |
| BLUE HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Blue Hill | 21.8 mi | 8.9 |
| BLUE HILL HIGH SCHOOL Blue Hill | 21.8 mi | 8.6 |
| SHICKLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Shickley | 24.0 mi | 8.5 |
| SHICKLEY HIGH SCHOOL Shickley | 24.0 mi | 6.2 |
| HARVARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Harvard | 29.4 mi | 5.7 |
| HARVARD HIGH SCHOOL Harvard | 29.4 mi | 7.7 |
| HARVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL Harvard | 29.4 mi | 6.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 68961 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,611
Median Home Value
$78,900
Median Rent
$492/mo
Population
615
College Educated
25.4%
Homeownership
83.8%
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Median Age
59.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ISANTI MIDDLE SCHOOL Niobrara, NE | 2.9 |
| BANNER COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL Harrisburg, NE | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lawrence - Nelson Middle School
What grades does Lawrence - Nelson Middle School serve?
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Lawrence - Nelson Middle School?
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 47 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Lawrence - Nelson Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Lawrence - Nelson Middle School is 23.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Lawrence - Nelson Middle School rank in NE?
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School ranks #946 of 967 schools in NE.
What is Lawrence - Nelson Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Lawrence - Nelson Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 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 Lawrence - Nelson Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Lawrence - Nelson Middle School has 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2022) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2022).
Is Lawrence - Nelson Middle School a charter school?
No, Lawrence - Nelson Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Lawrence - Nelson Middle School a Title I school?
No, Lawrence - Nelson Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lawrence - Nelson Middle School?
42.6% of students at Lawrence - Nelson Middle 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 47
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 2
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 42.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Nuckolls County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 6.4%
- Phone
- (402) 225-3371
Resources & Links
District
SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5- District Enrollment
- 733
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,597
- District Rank
- #6 of 6
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