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
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.