Best Butler County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,004 students in Butler County, NE (there are 2 private schools, serving 579 private students). 62% of all K-12 students in Butler County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Butler County, NE are Elementary School At Dwight, David City Elementary School and David City Secondary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butler County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 71% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Butler County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Butler County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Elementary School At Dwight
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
292 N 1st St
Dwight, NE 68635
(402) 566-2445
Gr: PK-6 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #22.
David City Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
826 E St
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3779
Gr: PK-6 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
David City Secondary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
750 D St
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3187
Gr: 7-12 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Bellwood Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
612 Park St
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 538-4805
Gr: PK-5 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #55.
High School At Brainard
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
212 S Madison
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Gr: 7-12 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #66.
Elementary School At Brainard
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
212 S Madison
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Gr: PK-6 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Butler County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Butler County, NE include Elementary School At Dwight, David City Elementary School and David City Secondary School.
How many public schools are located in Butler County?
6 public schools are located in Butler County.
What percentage of students in Butler County go to public school?
62% of all K-12 students in Butler County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Butler County?
Butler County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.

Quick Links