For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 745 students in Johnson County, NE (there are , serving 22 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Johnson County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE are Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh, Johnson Co Central Middle School and Sterling Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Johnson County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Johnson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Johnson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
358 N 6th
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Gr: PK-3 | 162 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Johnson Co Central Middle School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
407 N 1st St
Cook, NE 68392
(402) 864-4181
Cook, NE 68392
(402) 864-4181
Gr: 6-8 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Sterling Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
250 Main St
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Gr: PK-6 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Sterling High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
250 Main St
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Gr: 7-12 | 81 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Johnson Co Central Elem-cook
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
407 N 1st St
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4181
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4181
Gr: PK-5 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #66.
Johnson Co Central High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
358 N 6th
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Gr: 9-12 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Johnson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
407 N 1st Po Box 255
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-2024
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-2024
Gr: PK-6 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
475 Jefferson Po Box 8
Elk Creek, NE 68348
(402) 877-2175
Elk Creek, NE 68348
(402) 877-2175
Gr: PK-8 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
407 N 1st Po Box 255
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4171
Cook, NE 68329
(402) 864-4171
Gr: 7-12 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
250 Main St, Box 39
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Sterling, NE 68443
(402) 866-4761
Gr: 6-8 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
358 N 6th St Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320
Gr: PK-6 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
358 N 6th Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3328
Gr: 7-12 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Johnson County, NE include Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh, Johnson Co Central Middle School and Sterling Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Johnson County?
6 public schools are located in Johnson County.
What percentage of students in Johnson County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Johnson County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Johnson County?
Johnson County public schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
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