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Below Average

#746 of 967 schools in NE

Southern Elementary School

Elementary School · SOUTHERN SCHOOL DISTRICT 1

315 W 2ND ST PO BOX 158, Blue Springs, NE 68318

Enrollment

199

Student-Teacher

9.5:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Nebraska schools

#746 of 967

In district

#2 of 2

SOUTHERN SCHOOL DISTRICT 1

School environment

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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Southern Elementary School

4.8/10

Elementary School in Blue Springs · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Southern Jr-sr High School

6.3/10

1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Beatrice High School

5.3/10

8.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Southern Elementary School

Southern Elementary School is a public elementary school in Blue Springs, NE, part of SOUTHERN SCHOOL DISTRICT 1. Southern Elementary School serves approximately 199 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 9.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Southern Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #746 of 967 schools in NE.

Structured state assessment records for Southern Elementary School show 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.5 pts below NE schools
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • NE avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

At 199 students, Southern Elementary 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.

At 9.5:1 students to teachers, Southern Elementary School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Southern Elementary 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 metrics
Student Progress3.9Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.62 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.2Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency35% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-11.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile23th
Resources & Environment8.1Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,485
Chronic Absenteeism13.6%

Southern Elementary School — Students at Southern Elementary School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores NE EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 57.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 51.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from NE state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
97.5%
ELA
42%
2010
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2016
Math
72%
ELA
27%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
32%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
32%
ELA
37%

* 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: 3.9/10.

How Southern Elementary School Compares

See how Southern Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
23th percentile in NE
Academic
4.2/10
Below Average
Growth
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.1/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
21 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
13.6%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

315 W 2ND ST PO BOX 158, Blue Springs, NE 68318

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Southern Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. DILLER-ODELL ELEM SCHOOL (rated 9.3/10, 14.4 miles away, in nearby Diller), which scores notably higher. Another option is TRI COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 19.1 miles away, in nearby Dewitt), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 9.8 miles away, in nearby Beatrice), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Blue Springs, see our Blue Springs schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 19.1 mi
School Distance Rating
SOUTHERN JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL Wymore 1.1 mi 6.3
BEATRICE HIGH SCHOOL Beatrice 8.8 mi 5.3
LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Beatrice 9.8 mi 7.0
STODDARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Beatrice 9.6 mi 4.0
ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Beatrice 10.1 mi 5.5
BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL Beatrice 10.0 mi 5.0
ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Beatrice 10.1 mi 5.9
PADDOCK LANE SCHOOL Beatrice 10.5 mi 3.5
DILLER-ODELL SECONDARY SCHOOL Odell 9.3 mi 7.8
BEATRICE COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL Beatrice 10.3 mi 3.2
DILLER-ODELL ELEM SCHOOL Diller 14.4 mi 9.3
LEWISTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lewiston 15.4 mi 5.5
LEWISTON HIGH SCHOOL Lewiston 15.4 mi 5.6
Marysville Elem Marysville 20.3 mi 6.9
ST GREGORY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY Marysville 20.4 mi 6.1
Marysville Jr/Sr High Marysville 20.6 mi 6.9
ST JOHN'S SCHOOL Hanover 20.1 mi 4.3
Hanover High Hanover 20.2 mi 7.4
TRI COUNTY JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL Dewitt 19.1 mi 7.9
TRI COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Dewitt 19.1 mi 8.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 68318 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$56,563

Median Home Value

$56,000

Median Rent

$1,118/mo

Population

439

College Educated

21.9%

Homeownership

76.3%

Poverty Rate

16.9%

Median Age

42

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Alliance, NE 4.8
EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kearney, NE 4.8
JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha, NE 4.8
PINEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha, NE 4.8
WEST PARK ELEMENTARY Columbus, NE 4.8
GILTNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Giltner, NE 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Southern Elementary School

What grades does Southern Elementary School serve?

Southern Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Southern Elementary School?

Southern Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 199 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Southern Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Southern Elementary School is 9.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Southern Elementary School rank in NE?

Southern Elementary School ranks #746 of 967 schools in NE.

What is Southern Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Southern Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Southern Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Southern Elementary School has 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Southern Elementary School a charter school?

No, Southern Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Southern Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Southern Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
11 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
199
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Gage County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
13.6%

District

SOUTHERN SCHOOL DISTRICT 1
District Enrollment
374
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,485
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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