For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 311 students in Polk County, NE.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Polk County, NE are Cross County Middle School, Osceola Middle School and High Plains Community Jr/sr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NE public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the Nebraska public middle school average of 61%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% 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 Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
High Plains Community Jr/sr High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
345 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Polk, NE 68654
(402) 765-3331
Gr: 7-12 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #44.
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 middle schools in Polk County, NE?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Polk County, NE include Cross County Middle School, Osceola Middle School and High Plains Community Jr/sr High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Polk County?
4 public middle schools are located in Polk County.
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public middle schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public middle schools average of 34% (majority Hispanic).
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