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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Columbus Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 3,015 students in Columbus, NE.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbus, NE are Shell Creek Elementary School, Centennial Elementary School and Lost Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, NE public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the Nebraska public elementary school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 47% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Columbus, NE (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shell Creek Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
16786 280th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Gr: PK-6 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Centennial Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
500 Centennial St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Gr: PK-4 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Lost Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3772 33rd Ave
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Gr: PK-4 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
North Park Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2200 31st St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Gr: PK-4 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #55.
Columbus Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2200 26th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7060
Gr: 5-8 | 1,166 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #66.
West Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4100 Adamy St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Gr: PK-4 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #77.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2410 20th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Gr: PK-4 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: n/an/a
Esu 7 Bridges
Special Education School
2563 44th Avenue
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Esu 7 Learning Academy
Alternative School
2567 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbus, NE?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbus, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School, Centennial Elementary School and Lost Creek Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbus?
9 public elementary schools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public elementary schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?

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