For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 860 students in Merrick County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Merrick County, NE are Central City Middle School, High Plains Community Elementary School and Palmer Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Merrick County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Merrick County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Merrick County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Central City Middle School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2815 17th Ave
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3056
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3056
Gr: 5-8 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
High Plains Community Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 W Pearl St
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Gr: PK-6 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Palmer Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Gr: PK-6 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Central City Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1711 15th Ave
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3057
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3057
Gr: PK-4 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Merrick County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Merrick County, NE include Central City Middle School, High Plains Community Elementary School and Palmer Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Merrick County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Merrick County.
What is the racial composition of students in Merrick County?
Merrick County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Merrick County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Merrick County include: Central City Elementary School vs. Central City Middle School
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