For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,046 students in Thurston County, NE (there are , serving 100 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Thurston County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top ranked public schools in Thurston County, NE are Pender Elementary School, Pender High School and Walthill High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Thurston County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Thurston County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Thurston County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pender Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
609 Whitney St
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Gr: PK-6 | 239 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Pender High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
609 Whitney St
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Gr: 7-12 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Walthill High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
602 Main St
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Gr: 7-12 | 153 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
Winnebago Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
202 Osborne St
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Gr: PK-8 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #55.
Umo N Ho N Nation High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
470 Main St
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Gr: 9-12 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #66.
Winnebago High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
202 Osborne St
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Gr: 9-12 | 187 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #77.
Walthill Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
602 Main St
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Gr: PK-6 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Umo N Ho N Nation Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
470 Main St
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5260
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5260
Gr: PK-5 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Umo N Ho N Nation Middle School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
470 Main St
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Gr: 6-8 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Thurston County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1442 V Road
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-2592
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-2592
Gr: PK-8 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Thurston County, NE?
The top ranked public schools in Thurston County, NE include Pender Elementary School, Pender High School and Walthill High School.
How many public schools are located in Thurston County?
9 public schools are located in Thurston County.
What percentage of students in Thurston County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Thurston County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Thurston County?
Thurston County public schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here鈥檚 what parents and educators need to know.