Best Jefferson County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,270 students in Jefferson County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 60 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, NE are Diller-odell Elementary School, Meridian Elementary School and Meridian High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jefferson County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% 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 Jefferson County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Diller-odell Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
315 Smith St
Diller, NE 68342
(402) 793-5570
Gr: PK-6 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Meridian Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
72380 560th Ave
Daykin, NE 68338
(402) 446-7265
Gr: PK-6 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Meridian High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
72380 560th Ave
Daykin, NE 68338
(402) 446-7265
Gr: 7-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Fairbury Jr-sr High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1501 9th St
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-6116
Gr: 7-12 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
Jefferson Intermediate School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
924 K Street
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-5041
Gr: 3-6 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
808 F St
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402) 729-2418
Gr: PK-2 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, NE include Diller-odell Elementary School, Meridian Elementary School and Meridian High School.
How many public schools are located in Jefferson County?
6 public schools are located in Jefferson County.
What percentage of students in Jefferson County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson 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).

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links