📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (NCES EDFacts, 2021–22 for most districts), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
8 Rated Districts in the Lincoln, NE Metro Area
EDFacts 2021–22 · percentile among Nebraska districts
| Metro Rank | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Seward Public Schools | Seward | 10/10 Excellent | 98th |
| #2 | Malcolm Public Schools | Malcolm | 9/10 Excellent | 87th |
| #3 | Waverly School District 145 | Waverly | 8/10 Good | 78th |
| #4 | Milford Public Schools | Milford | 8/10 Good | 73rd |
| #5 | Norris School District 160 | Firth | 8/10 Good | 73rd |
| #6 | Centennial Public Schools | Utica | 6/10 Average | 55th |
| #7 | Lincoln Public Schools | Lincoln | 6/10 Average | 53rd |
| #8 | Raymond Central Public Schools | Raymond | 5/10 Average | 42nd |
Best School Districts in the Lincoln, NE Metro Area (2026)
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from EDFacts 2021–22 (Nebraska) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the Lincoln, NE metro area? ▼
Among the 8 rated districts in the Lincoln, NE metro area, the highest-rated is Seward Public Schools (Seward), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 98th percentile of Nebraska districts on EDFacts 2021–22 reading and math proficiency.
How are these rankings calculated? ▼
Each district's rating comes from the share of its students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments, percentile-ranked against all rated districts in its state and converted to a 1–10 scale. Full methodology here.