For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 698 students in Polk County, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, NE are Cross County Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School and Cross County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% 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 Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cross County Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1270 123rd Road
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Gr: PK-5 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Osceola Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
341 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-2091
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-2091
Gr: PK-5 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Cross County Middle School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1270 123rd Rd
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Stromsburg, NE 68666
(402) 764-5521
Gr: 6-8 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Osceola Middle School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
565 S Kimmel
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Osceola, NE 68651
(402) 747-3121
Gr: 6-8 | 42 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Shelby - Rising City Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Gr: PK-5 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #66.
Shelby - Rising City Middle School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
650 N Walnut St
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Shelby, NE 68662
(402) 527-5946
Gr: 6-8 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
260 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-2271
Gr: 4-5 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Polk County, NE include Cross County Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School and Cross County Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Polk County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.