For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 2,520 students in Otoe County, NE (there are 1 private school, serving 337 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Otoe County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Otoe County, NE are Middle School At Syracuse, Elementary School At Syracuse and High School At Syracuse. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Otoe County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Otoe County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Otoe County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Middle School At Syracuse
(Math: 86% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1430 Education Drive
Syracuse, NE 68446
(402) 269-2388
Syracuse, NE 68446
(402) 269-2388
Gr: 4-8 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Elementary School At Syracuse
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
550 7th St
Syracuse, NE 68446
(402) 269-2382
Syracuse, NE 68446
(402) 269-2382
Gr: PK-3 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
High School At Syracuse
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1500 Education Dr
Syracuse, NE 68446
(402) 269-2381
Syracuse, NE 68446
(402) 269-2381
Gr: 9-12 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Junior Senior High School High School At Palmyra
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
425 F St
Palmyra, NE 68418
(402) 780-5327
Palmyra, NE 68418
(402) 780-5327
Gr: 9-12 | 181 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #55.
Hayward Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
306 S 14th St
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-6641
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-6641
Gr: 3-5 | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #66.
Nebraska City High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
141 Steinhart Park Rd
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-3360
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-3360
Gr: 9-12 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #77.
Nebraska City Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
909 1st Corso
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-5591
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-5591
Gr: 6-8 | 271 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: n/an/a
Ne Center For Educ Of Blind
Special Education School
824 10th Ave
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-5513
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-5513
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
1200 North 14th Street
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 874-9193
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 874-9193
Gr: PK-2 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: n/an/a
425 F St
Palmyra, NE 68418
(402) 780-5327
Palmyra, NE 68418
(402) 780-5327
Gr: 6-8 | 158 students Student-teacher ratio: 53:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Otoe County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Otoe County, NE include Middle School At Syracuse, Elementary School At Syracuse and High School At Syracuse.
How many public schools are located in Otoe County?
10 public schools are located in Otoe County.
What percentage of students in Otoe County go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Otoe County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Otoe County?
Otoe County public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 39% (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.