For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 568 students in Valley County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 56 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Valley County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Valley County, NE are Arcadia High School, Arcadia Elementary School and Ord Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Valley County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Valley County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Valley County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Arcadia High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
320 W Owens St
Arcadia, NE 68815
(308) 789-6522
Arcadia, NE 68815
(308) 789-6522
Gr: 7-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Arcadia Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
320 W Owens St
Arcadia, NE 68815
(308) 789-6522
Arcadia, NE 68815
(308) 789-6522
Gr: PK-6 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Ord Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
820 S 16th St
Ord, NE 68862
(308) 728-3331
Ord, NE 68862
(308) 728-3331
Gr: PK-6 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Ord Jr-sr High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
320 N 19th
Ord, NE 68862
(308) 728-3241
Ord, NE 68862
(308) 728-3241
Gr: 7-12 | 239 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Valley County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Valley County, NE include Arcadia High School, Arcadia Elementary School and Ord Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Valley County?
2 public schools are located in Valley County.
What percentage of students in Valley County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Valley County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Valley County?
Valley County public schools minority enrollment is 7% 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
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
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
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.