For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,001 students in Dakota County, NE.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Dakota County, NE are Homer High School, Emerson-hubbard Middle School and South Sioux City Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dakota County, NE public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Nebraska public middle school average of 61%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in Dakota County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public middle school average of 34% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Dakota County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Homer High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
212 S 3rd
Homer, NE 68030
(402) 698-2377
Homer, NE 68030
(402) 698-2377
Gr: 7-12 | 191 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
Emerson-hubbard Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1503 Dakota St
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2636
Emerson, NE 68733
(402) 695-2636
Gr: 6-8 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
South Sioux City Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3625 G Street
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-3061
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-3061
Gr: 6-8 | 760 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Dakota County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
100 Futures Dr
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-4185
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-4185
Gr: 6-12
Gateway To Learning (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
1000 West 29th St
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-0121
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 494-0121
223 N John St Po Box 67
Jackson, NE 68743
(402) 632-4276
Jackson, NE 68743
(402) 632-4276
Gr: PK-8 | 57 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Dakota County, NE?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Dakota County, NE include Homer High School, Emerson-hubbard Middle School and South Sioux City Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Dakota County?
3 public middle schools are located in Dakota County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dakota County?
Dakota County public middle schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public middle schools average of 34% (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.