For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 1,412 students in Saline County, NE.
The top-ranked public preschools in Saline County, NE are Tri County Elementary School, Friend Elementary School and Crete Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Saline County, NE public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Nebraska public pre school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 50% statewide average). Pre schools in Saline County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the Nebraska public preschool average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Saline County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tri County Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
72520 Hwy 103
De Witt, NE 68341
(402) 683-4035
De Witt, NE 68341
(402) 683-4035
Gr: PK-6 | 232 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Friend Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
501 Main St
Friend, NE 68359
(402) 947-2781
Friend, NE 68359
(402) 947-2781
Gr: PK-6 | 127 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Crete Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 90% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
309 E 11th St
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5822
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5822
Gr: PK-2 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #44.
Dorchester Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
506 W 9th
Dorchester, NE 68343
(402) 946-2781
Dorchester, NE 68343
(402) 946-2781
Gr: PK-6 | 141 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
Elementary School At Wilber
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 South Franklin Street
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2141
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2141
Gr: PK-5 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: n/an/a
309 E 11th Street
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5822
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-5822
Gr: PK | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Saline County, NE?
The top-ranked public preschools in Saline County, NE include Tri County Elementary School, Friend Elementary School and Crete Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Saline County?
6 public preschools are located in Saline County.
What is the racial composition of students in Saline County?
Saline County public preschools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the Nebraska public preschools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Saline County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Saline County include: Tri County Elementary School vs. Crete Elementary School, Tri County Elementary School vs. Friend Elementary School, Friend Elementary School vs. Tri County Elementary School
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.