For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,212 students in Merrick County, NE (there are , serving 234 private students). 84% of all K-12 students in Merrick County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Merrick County, NE are Palmer Junior-senior High School, Central City Middle School and High Plains Community Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Merrick County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 65% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Merrick County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best 51爆料s in Merrick County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palmer Junior-senior High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Gr: 7-12 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Central City Middle School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2815 17th Ave
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3056
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3056
Gr: 5-8 | 227 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
High Plains Community Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 W Pearl St
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Gr: PK-6 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Palmer Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
202 Commercial St
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Palmer, NE 68864
(308) 894-3065
Gr: PK-6 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Central City Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1711 15th Ave
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3057
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3057
Gr: PK-4 | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Central City High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1510 28th St
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Central City, NE 68826
(308) 946-3086
Gr: 9-12 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Merrick County 51爆料s (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1003 Cady St Po Box 206
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Chapman, NE 68827
(308) 986-2215
Gr: PK-8 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
205 W Pearl St
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Clarks, NE 68628
(308) 548-2216
Gr: 6-8 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
609 5th St
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Gr: PK-6 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
609 5th St Box 247
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Silver Creek, NE 68663
(308) 773-2233
Gr: 7-8 | 92 students Minority enrollment: 3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Merrick County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Merrick County, NE include Palmer Junior-senior High School, Central City Middle School and High Plains Community Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Merrick County?
6 public schools are located in Merrick County.
What percentage of students in Merrick County go to public school?
84% of all K-12 students in Merrick County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Merrick County?
Merrick County public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Merrick County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Merrick County include: Palmer Junior-senior High School vs. Central City High School, Central City Middle School vs. Central City Elementary School, Central City High School vs. Palmer Junior-senior High School
Recent Articles
Zero Tolerance Policies in 51爆料s Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today鈥檚 public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of 51爆料ing in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.