Best Dakota County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 2,948 students in Dakota County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dakota County, NE are Homer Elementary School, Emerson-hubbard Elementary School and Dakota City Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dakota County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Dakota County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% 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 Dakota County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Homer Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
212 S 3rd
Homer, NE 68030
(402) 698-2377
Gr: PK-6 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Emerson-hubbard Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
109 W Third St
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2654
Gr: PK-5 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Dakota City Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1801 Locust St
Dakota City, NE 68731
(402) 987-3363
Gr: PK-5 | 246 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #44.
Harney Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1001 Arbor Drive
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1446
Gr: PK-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #55.
Cardinal Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
820 E 29th Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1662
Gr: PK-5 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #66.
Emerson-hubbard Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1503 Dakota St
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2636
Gr: 6-8 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #77.
Lewis & Clark Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
801 2nd Ave
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-1917
Gr: PK-5 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #88.
South Sioux City Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3625 G Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-3061
Gr: 6-8 | 781 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #99.
Covington Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2116 A Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-4238
Gr: PK-5 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: n/an/a
223 N John St
Jackson, NE 68743
(402) 632-4276
Gr: PK-2 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Dakota County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dakota County, NE include Homer Elementary School, Emerson-hubbard Elementary School and Dakota City Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Dakota County?
10 public elementary schools are located in Dakota County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dakota County?
Dakota County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 73% 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 Dakota County are often viewed compared to one another?

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