For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,212 students in Merrick County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 194 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Merrick County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Merrick County, NE are Palmer Junior-senior High School, Central City Middle School and High Plains Community Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Merrick County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 65% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Merrick County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Merrick County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palmer Junior-senior High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Gr: 7-12 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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%
Rank: #66.
Central City High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1510 28th St
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Gr: 9-12 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Merrick County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Merrick County, NE include Palmer Junior-senior High School, Central City Middle School and High Plains Community Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Merrick County?
6 public schools are located in Merrick County.
What percentage of students in Merrick County go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Merrick County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Merrick County?
Merrick County public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Merrick County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Merrick County include: Central City High School vs. Palmer Junior-senior High School, Central City Elementary School vs. Central City Middle School
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