For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 549 students in Butler County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Butler County, NE are Elementary School At Dwight, David City Elementary School and Bellwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Butler County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 70% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Butler County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Butler County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Elementary School At Dwight
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
292 N 1st St
Dwight, NE 68635
(402) 566-2445
Dwight, NE 68635
(402) 566-2445
Gr: PK-6 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #22.
David City Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
826 E St
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3779
David City, NE 68632
(402) 367-3779
Gr: PK-6 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
Bellwood Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
612 Park St
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 538-4805
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 538-4805
Gr: PK-5 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Elementary School At Brainard
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
212 S Madison
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Brainard, NE 68626
(402) 545-2081
Gr: PK-6 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Butler County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
101 Ash Box 184
Abie, NE 68001
(402) 543-2347
Abie, NE 68001
(402) 543-2347
Gr: PK-8 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
96 Elm St Po Box 75
Bruno, NE 68014
(402) 543-2302
Bruno, NE 68014
(402) 543-2302
Gr: PK-8 | 2 students
341 Beech St Box 100
Linwood, NE 68036
(402) 666-5617
Linwood, NE 68036
(402) 666-5617
Gr: K-8 | 7 students
400 East Spruce
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Gr: PK-6 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
400 East Spruce
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Rising City, NE 68658
(402) 542-2216
Gr: 7-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
4411 O Road
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 539-2195
Bellwood, NE 68624
(402) 539-2195
Gr: PK-8 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Butler County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Butler County, NE include Elementary School At Dwight, David City Elementary School and Bellwood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Butler County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Butler County.
What is the racial composition of students in Butler County?
Butler County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.