For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 409 students in Hitchcock County, NE.
The top-ranked public schools in Hitchcock County, NE are Hitchcock Co Elementary School, Palisade Attendance Center and Stratton Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hitchcock County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Hitchcock County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Hitchcock County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hitchcock Co Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
712 Arizona
Culbertson, NE 69024
(308) 278-2131
Culbertson, NE 69024
(308) 278-2131
Gr: PK-6 | 173 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Palisade Attendance Center
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
206 N Reynolds
Palisade, NE 69040
(308) 285-3232
Palisade, NE 69040
(308) 285-3232
Gr: PK-5 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Stratton Elementary School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
605 Bailey St
Stratton, NE 69043
(308) 276-2281
Stratton, NE 69043
(308) 276-2281
Gr: PK-6 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Hitchcock Co Jr/sr High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
318 West D
Trenton, NE 69044
(308) 334-5575
Trenton, NE 69044
(308) 334-5575
Gr: 7-12 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Hitchcock County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
712 Arizona St Box 128
Culbertson, NE 69024
(308) 278-2131
Culbertson, NE 69024
(308) 278-2131
Gr: 7-12 | 77 students Minority enrollment: 3%
605 Bailey Box 324
Stratton, NE 69043
(308) 276-2281
Stratton, NE 69043
(308) 276-2281
Gr: PK-6 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hitchcock County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Hitchcock County, NE include Hitchcock Co Elementary School, Palisade Attendance Center and Stratton Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Hitchcock County?
4 public schools are located in Hitchcock County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hitchcock County?
Hitchcock County public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (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.