For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,945 students in Adams County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Adams County, NE are Adams Central Elementary School, Kenesaw Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Adams County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Adams County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Adams County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Adams Central Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
975 S Adams Central Ave
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-0040
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-0040
Gr: PK-6 | 506 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Kenesaw Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
110 N 5th Ave
Kenesaw, NE 68956
(402) 752-3215
Kenesaw, NE 68956
(402) 752-3215
Gr: PK-6 | 139 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Hawthorne Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2200 W 9th St
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7540
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7540
Gr: PK-5 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
Hastings Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
201 N Marian Road
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7520
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7520
Gr: 6-8 | 757 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Raymond A Watson Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1720 N Crane
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7593
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7593
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #66.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
828 N Hastings Ave
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7584
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7584
Gr: PK-5 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #77.
Alcott Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
313 N Cedar
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7580
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7580
Gr: PK-5 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #88.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
720 S Franklin
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7589
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7589
Gr: PK-5 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Adams County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Adams County, NE include Adams Central Elementary School, Kenesaw Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Adams County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Adams County.
What is the racial composition of students in Adams County?
Adams County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Adams County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Adams County include: Hawthorne Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School vs. Hawthorne Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
