For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 5,040 students in Columbus, NE (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,416 private students). 77% of all K-12 students in Columbus, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Columbus, NE are Shell Creek Elementary School, Lakeview Junior High School and Lakeview High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Columbus, NE (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shell Creek Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
16786 280th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Gr: PK-6 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Lakeview Junior High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3744 83rd Street
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Gr: 7-8 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Lakeview High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3744 83rd St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Gr: 9-12 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
Centennial Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
500 Centennial St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Gr: PK-4 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #55.
Lost Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3772 33rd Ave
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Gr: PK-4 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #66.
North Park Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2200 31st St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Gr: PK-4 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #77.
Columbus Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2200 26th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Gr: 5-8 | 1,166 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #88.
West Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4100 Adamy St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Gr: PK-4 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #99.
Columbus High School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3434 Discoverer Drive
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7050
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7050
Gr: 9-12 | 1,337 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #1010.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2410 20th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Gr: PK-4 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: n/an/a
Esu 7 Bridges
Special Education School
2563 44th Avenue
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Esu 7 Learning Academy
Alternative School
2567 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
2410 16th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Gr: PK | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: n/an/a
2508 27th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Gr: PK | 22 students Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Columbus, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Columbus, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School, Lakeview Junior High School and Lakeview High School.
How many public schools are located in Columbus?
15 public schools are located in Columbus.
What percentage of students in Columbus go to public school?
77% of all K-12 students in Columbus are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Columbus include: Emerson Elementary School vs. North Park Elementary School, Lost Creek Elementary School vs. North Park Elementary School, North Park Elementary School vs. Emerson Elementary School
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