For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 3,398 students in Dawson County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dawson County, NE are Bryan Elementary School, Overton Elementary School and Elementary School At Sumner. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dawson County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Dawson County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Dawson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bryan Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1003 N Harrison
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-3762
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-3762
Gr: PK-5 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #22.
Overton Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
401 7th St
Overton, NE 68863
(308) 987-2424
Overton, NE 68863
(308) 987-2424
Gr: PK-6 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Elementary School At Sumner
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
205 E 5th Ave
Sumner, NE 68878
(308) 752-2925
Sumner, NE 68878
(308) 752-2925
Gr: PK-6 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Cozad Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1810 Meridian Ave
Cozad, NE 69130
(308) 784-2746
Cozad, NE 69130
(308) 784-2746
Gr: 6-8 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Cozad Elementary School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
420 East 14th Street
Cozad, NE 69130
(308) 784-3462
Cozad, NE 69130
(308) 784-3462
Gr: PK-5 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #66.
Dudley Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1311 Avenue G
Gothenburg, NE 69138
(308) 537-3651
Gothenburg, NE 69138
(308) 537-3651
Gr: PK-6 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #77.
Morton Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74% )
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
505 S Lincoln
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-3764
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-3764
Gr: PK-1 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #88.
Lexington Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1100 N Washington
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-2349
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-2349
Gr: 6-8 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #99.
Sandoz Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1711 N Erie
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-5540
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-5540
Gr: 2-3 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1010.
Pershing Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1104 N Tyler
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-3765
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-3765
Gr: 4-5 | 312 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Dawson County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dawson County, NE include Bryan Elementary School, Overton Elementary School and Elementary School At Sumner.
How many public elementary schools are located in Dawson County?
10 public elementary schools are located in Dawson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dawson County?
Dawson County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Dawson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Dawson County include: Dudley Elementary School vs. Cozad Elementary School, Overton Elementary School vs. Bryan Elementary School, Cozad Elementary School vs. Dudley Elementary 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.
