For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,750 students in Dawson County, NE.
The top-ranked public high schools in Dawson County, NE are Gothenburg Secondary School, Overton High School and Junior-senior High At Sumner. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dawson County, NE public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Nebraska public high school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 47% statewide average). High schools in Dawson County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public high schools.
Dawson County, NE public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the Nebraska average of 84%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Cozad High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Nebraska or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Dawson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gothenburg Secondary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1322 Avenue I
Gothenburg, NE 69138
(308) 537-3651
Gothenburg, NE 69138
(308) 537-3651
Gr: 7-12 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Overton High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
401 7th St
Overton, NE 68863
(308) 987-2424
Overton, NE 68863
(308) 987-2424
Gr: 7-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Junior-senior High At Sumner
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 E 5th Ave
Sumner, NE 68878
(308) 752-2925
Sumner, NE 68878
(308) 752-2925
Gr: 7-12 | 104 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Cozad High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1710 Meridian Ave
Cozad, NE 69130
(308) 784-2744
Cozad, NE 69130
(308) 784-2744
Gr: 9-12 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #55.
Lexington High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Minuteman Drive
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-4691
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-4691
Gr: 9-12 | 915 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Dawson County, NE?
The top-ranked public high schools in Dawson County, NE include Gothenburg Secondary School, Overton High School and Junior-senior High At Sumner.
How many public high schools are located in Dawson County?
5 public high schools are located in Dawson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dawson County?
Dawson County public high schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public high schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Dawson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Dawson County include: Lexington High School vs. Cozad High School, Gothenburg Secondary School vs. Cozad High School, Cozad High School vs. Lexington High School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.