For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 812 students in Dawes County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dawes County, NE are Chadron Middle School, Crawford Elementary School and Chadron Intermediate. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dawes County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Dawes County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Dawes County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chadron Middle School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
551 E 6th St
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0708
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0708
Gr: 5-8 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Crawford Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
908 5th St
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-1928
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-1928
Gr: PK-6 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Chadron Intermediate
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
450 W Norfolk
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0717
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0717
Gr: 3-4 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: n/an/a
732 Ann St
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0710
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-0710
Gr: PK-2 | 306 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Dawes County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
60 Alpha Rd
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-3824
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-3824
Gr: PK-8 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
60 Alpha Rd
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-3824
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-3824
Gr: PK-8 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
31 Phelps St
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-2436
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-2436
Gr: PK-8 | 8 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
651 Corkscrew Rd
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-1862
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-1862
Gr: PK-8 | 5 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
360 W Belmont Rd
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-2278
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-2278
Gr: PK-8 | 3 students
91 Prairie Home Rd
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-5243
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-5243
Gr: PK-8 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
91 Prairie Home Rd
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-5243
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-5243
Gr: PK-8 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
1220 Table Center Rd
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-4314
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-4314
Gr: PK-8 | 5 students
5240 Hwy 20
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-3717
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-3717
Gr: PK-8 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
1950 Cottonwood Rd
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-2337
Crawford, NE 69339
(308) 665-2337
Gr: PK-8 | 12 students
310 Elkhorn
Whitney, NE 69367
(308) 667-1734
Whitney, NE 69367
(308) 667-1734
Gr: PK-8 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
310 Elkhorn St
Whitney, NE 69367
(308) 667-1734
Whitney, NE 69367
(308) 667-1734
Gr: PK-8 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Dawes County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Dawes County, NE include Chadron Middle School, Crawford Elementary School and Chadron Intermediate.
How many public elementary schools are located in Dawes County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Dawes County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dawes County?
Dawes County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority American Indian), 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.