For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 507 students in Johnson County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 65% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Johnson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary 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: #33.
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: #44.
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%
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 elementary schools in Johnson County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Johnson County, NE include Johnson Co Central El-tecumseh, Johnson Co Central Middle School and Sterling Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Johnson County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Johnson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Johnson County?
Johnson County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), 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.
