For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 432 students in Polk County, NE.
The top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, NE are Shelby - Rising City High School, Cross County High School and Osceola High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NE public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Nebraska public high school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 47% statewide average). High schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public high schools.
Polk County, NE public high school have a Graduation Rate of 73%, which is less than the Nebraska average of 84%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Cross County High School, with ≥80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Nebraska or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shelby - Rising City High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Gr: 9-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Cross County High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1270 123rd Rd
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Gr: 9-12 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Osceola High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
565 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Gr: 9-12 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
High Plains Community Jr/sr High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
345 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Gr: 7-12 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, NE?
The top-ranked public high schools in Polk County, NE include Shelby - Rising City High School, Cross County High School and Osceola High School.
How many public high schools are located in Polk County?
4 public high schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public high schools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public high schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic).
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