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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Columbus Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public preschools serving 2,041 students in Columbus, NE.
The top-ranked public preschools 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 preschools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Nebraska public pre school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 50% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public preschool average of 40% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools 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.
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: #66.
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
Rank: n/an/a
Kramer Education Center
2410 16th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Gr: PK | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: n/an/a
Pathways Beyond/early Steps To Success Building
2508 27th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Gr: PK | 22 students Minority enrollment: 86%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, NE?
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School, Centennial Elementary School and Lost Creek Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbus?
10 public preschools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public preschools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public preschools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?

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