For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 944 students in Howard County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 19 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Howard County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Howard County, NE are St. Libory Elementary School, St. Paul Elementary School and St. Paul Jr/sr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 66% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Howard County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
St. Libory Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
435 St Paul Road
Saint Libory, NE 68872
(308) 687-6475
Saint Libory, NE 68872
(308) 687-6475
Gr: PK-8 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
St. Paul Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: PK-6 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
St. Paul Jr/sr High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: 7-12 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Elba Secondary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
711 Caroline St
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Gr: 7-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #55.
Elba Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
711 Caroline St
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Gr: PK-6 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Howard County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Howard County, NE include St. Libory Elementary School, St. Paul Elementary School and St. Paul Jr/sr High School.
How many public schools are located in Howard County?
5 public schools are located in Howard County.
What percentage of students in Howard County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Howard County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
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