For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 838 students in 68601, NE (there are 8 private schools, serving 1,416 private students). 37% of all K-12 students in 68601, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in 68601, NE are Shell Creek Elementary School, Lakeview Junior High School and Richland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 68601 have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 68601, NE have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best 68601, NE Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shell Creek Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
16786 280th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Gr: PK-6 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Lakeview Junior High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3744 83rd Street
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Gr: 7-8 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
Richland Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
595 Road 3
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-6900
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-6900
Gr: 3-5 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #44.
Lakeview High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3744 83rd St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8518
Gr: 9-12 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: n/an/a
Esu 7 Learning Academy
Alternative School
2567 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12
68601, Nebraska Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Columbus Early Learning Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2657 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
860 E 29th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Gr: PK-8 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 68601, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in 68601, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School, Lakeview Junior High School and Richland Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 68601?
6 public schools are located in 68601.
What percentage of students in 68601 go to public school?
37% of all K-12 students in 68601 are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in 68601?
68601 public schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
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