For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,093 students in Clay County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 28 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Clay County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NE are Sutton Secondary School, Sutton Elementary School and Harvard High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sutton Secondary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1107 N Saunders
Sutton, NE 68979
(402) 773-4303
Sutton, NE 68979
(402) 773-4303
Gr: 7-12 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Sutton Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1107 N Saunders
Sutton, NE 68979
(402) 773-4423
Sutton, NE 68979
(402) 773-4423
Gr: PK-6 | 225 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Harvard High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
506 E North St
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Gr: 9-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Harvard Middle School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
506 East North Street
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Gr: 6-8 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #55.
Harvard Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
506 E North St
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Gr: PK-5 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: n/an/a
411 East Second
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 756-7013
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 756-7013
Gr: PK-5 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: n/an/a
30671 Hwy 14
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Gr: PK-5 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
30671 Hwy 14
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Gr: 9-12 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
30671 Hwy 14
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Gr: 6-8 | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NE include Sutton Secondary School, Sutton Elementary School and Harvard High School.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
8 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Clay County include: Harvard High School vs. Sutton Secondary School, Sutton Secondary School vs. Harvard High School
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