Best Buffalo County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public high schools serving 2,693 students in Buffalo County, NE.
The top-ranked public high schools in Buffalo County, NE are Ravenna Senior High School, Amherst High School and Shelton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buffalo County, NE public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the Nebraska public high school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 47% statewide average). High schools in Buffalo County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public high schools.
Buffalo County, NE public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the Nebraska average of 84%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Kearney High School, with 94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Nebraska or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Buffalo County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ravenna Senior High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
41750 Carthage Rd
Ravenna, NE 68869
(308) 452-3249
Gr: 7-12 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Amherst High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
100 N Sycamore
Amherst, NE 68812
(308) 826-3131
Gr: 7-12 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Shelton High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
210 9th St
Shelton, NE 68876
(308) 647-5459
Gr: 7-12 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
Elm Creek High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
230 East Calkins Avenue
Elm Creek, NE 68836
(308) 856-4300
Gr: 7-12 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Pleasanton High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
303 Church St
Pleasanton, NE 68866
(308) 388-2041
Gr: 7-12 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #66.
Kearney High School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2702 West 11th Street
Kearney, NE 68845
(308) 698-8060
Gr: 9-12 | 1,663 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
West Kearney High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2802 30th Ave
Kearney, NE 68845
(308) 338-2011
Gr: 8-12 | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #88.
Gibbon High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1030 Court Street
Gibbon, NE 68840
(308) 468-5721
Gr: 7-12 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: n/an/a
Hanny Arram Center
Alternative School
3907 6th Avenue
Kearney, NE 68845
(308) 698-6900
Gr: 6-12 | 2 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Buffalo County, NE?
The top-ranked public high schools in Buffalo County, NE include Ravenna Senior High School, Amherst High School and Shelton High School.
How many public high schools are located in Buffalo County?
9 public high schools are located in Buffalo County.
What is the racial composition of students in Buffalo County?
Buffalo County public high schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic).

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