For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 550 students in Kearney County, NE.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Kearney County, NE are Axtell High School, Wilcox-hildreth Jr/sr High School and C L Jones Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kearney County, NE public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Nebraska public middle school average of 61%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in Kearney County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% 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 Kearney County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Axtell High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Gr: 7-12 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Wilcox-hildreth Jr/sr High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
404 E Sapp St
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Wilcox, NE 68982
(308) 478-5265
Gr: 7-12 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
C L Jones Middle School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
520 W 3rd
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2338
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2338
Gr: 4-8 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Kearney County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
500 Main St
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2415
Gr: 6-8 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Minden Public School Success Center (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
325 North Yates, Po Box 301
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-2254
240 E 21st Culdesac
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1546
Minden, NE 68959
(308) 832-1546
Gr: 9-12 | 8 students Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Kearney County, NE?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Kearney County, NE include Axtell High School, Wilcox-hildreth Jr/sr High School and C L Jones Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Kearney County?
3 public middle schools are located in Kearney County.
What is the racial composition of students in Kearney County?
Kearney County public middle schools minority enrollment is 10% 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.
