For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 376 students in 68601, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 68601, NE are Shell Creek Elementary School and Richland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 68601 have an average math proficiency score of 72% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in 68601, NE have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best 68601, NE Public Elementary 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.
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: 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 elementary schools in 68601, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 68601, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School and Richland Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 68601?
3 public elementary schools are located in 68601.
What is the racial composition of students in 68601?
68601 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.