For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 617 students in Cherry County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Cherry County, NE are Valentine Middle School, Valentine Elementary School and Littleburg Elementary - 12. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherry County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 75% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Cherry County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Cherry County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Valentine Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
239 N Wood
Valentine, NE 69201
(402) 376-3367
Valentine, NE 69201
(402) 376-3367
Gr: 5-8 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Valentine Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
615 E 5th St
Valentine, NE 69201
(402) 376-3237
Valentine, NE 69201
(402) 376-3237
Gr: PK-4 | 285 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Littleburg Elementary - 12
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
28406 300 1st St
Valentine, NE 69201
(605) 378-3881
Valentine, NE 69201
(605) 378-3881
Gr: K-8
Rank: #44.
Cody-kilgore Middle School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
360 West 4th Street
Cody, NE 69211
(402) 823-4117
Cody, NE 69211
(402) 823-4117
Gr: 6-8 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #55.
Cody-kilgore Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Nth Burlington Street
Kilgore, NE 69216
(402) 966-2291
Kilgore, NE 69216
(402) 966-2291
Gr: PK-5 | 73 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #66.
Simeon School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
88709 Simeon Rd
Valentine, NE 69201
(402) 376-3367
Valentine, NE 69201
(402) 376-3367
Gr: PK-8 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #77.
Lakeview Elementary - 09
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
26886 299th St
Crookston, NE 69212
(605) 429-3339
Crookston, NE 69212
(605) 429-3339
Gr: K-8 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #88.
Cutcomb Lake School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
30 Miles S Of Nenzel Nebraska,
Valentine, NE 69201
(402) 823-4208
Valentine, NE 69201
(402) 823-4208
Gr: PK-8 | 4 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Cherry County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Cherry County, NE include Valentine Middle School, Valentine Elementary School and Littleburg Elementary - 12.
How many public elementary schools are located in Cherry County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Cherry County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherry County?
Cherry County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
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.