For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 506 students in Howard County, NE.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Howard County, NE are St. Libory Elementary School, St. Paul Jr/sr High School and Elba Secondary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Howard County, NE public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Nebraska public middle school average of 61%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in Howard County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public middle school average of 34% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Howard County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
St. Libory Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
435 St Paul Road
Saint Libory, NE 68872
(308) 687-6475
Saint Libory, NE 68872
(308) 687-6475
Gr: PK-8 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
St. Paul Jr/sr High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: 7-12 | 295 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Elba Secondary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
711 Caroline St
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Elba, NE 68835
(308) 863-2228
Gr: 7-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Howard County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
400 Ramsey St
Farwell, NE 68838
(308) 336-3286
Farwell, NE 68838
(308) 336-3286
Gr: PK-6 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
400 Ramsey St Po Box 49
Farwell, NE 68838
(308) 336-3286
Farwell, NE 68838
(308) 336-3286
Gr: PK-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: 9-12 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
1305 Howard Ave
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308) 754-4433
Gr: 7-8 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Howard County, NE?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Howard County, NE include St. Libory Elementary School, St. Paul Jr/sr High School and Elba Secondary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Howard County?
3 public middle schools are located in Howard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Howard County?
Howard County public middle schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less 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.