For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,701 students in Red Willow County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 149 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Red Willow County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Red Willow County, NE are Mc Cook Elementary School, Mc Cook Junior High School and Central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Red Willow County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Red Willow County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Red Willow County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mc Cook Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1500 W 3rd St
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-5681
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-5681
Gr: PK-3 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Mc Cook Junior High School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
800 W 7th St
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-6940
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-6940
Gr: 6-8 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
604 W 1st
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-3976
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-3976
Gr: 4-5 | 181 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Mc Cook Senior High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
600 W 7th St
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-5422
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-5422
Gr: 9-12 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Southwest Elementary-indianola
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
719 E St
Indianola, NE 69034
(308) 364-2613
Indianola, NE 69034
(308) 364-2613
Gr: PK-5 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #66.
Southwest Jr/sr High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 Coke St
Bartley, NE 69020
(308) 692-3223
Bartley, NE 69020
(308) 692-3223
Gr: 9-12 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
Mc Cook Alternative Education
Alternative School
404 West 7th Street
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-5631
Mc Cook, NE 69001
(308) 345-5631
Gr: 7-12
Rank: n/an/a
900 Coke Street
Bartley, NE 69020
(308) 692-3223
Bartley, NE 69020
(308) 692-3223
Gr: 6-8 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Red Willow County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Red Willow County, NE include Mc Cook Elementary School, Mc Cook Junior High School and Central Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Red Willow County?
7 public schools are located in Red Willow County.
What percentage of students in Red Willow County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Red Willow County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Red Willow County?
Red Willow County public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
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