📊 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 →
All 7 Rated Districts in Buffalo County, NE
Sorted by rating, then state percentile
| County Rank | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Amherst Public Schools | Amherst | 8/10 Good | 75th |
| #2 | Kearney Public Schools | Kearney | 8/10 Good | 75th |
| #3 | Ravenna Public Schools | Ravenna | 7/10 Good | 66th |
| #4 | Elm Creek Public Schools | Elm Creek | 6/10 Average | 50th |
| #5 | Shelton Public Schools | Shelton | 3/10 Below Average | 24th |
| #6 | Pleasanton Public Schools | Pleasanton | 2/10 Poor | 19th |
| #7 | Gibbon Public Schools | Gibbon | 2/10 Poor | 12th |
Best School Districts in Buffalo County, Nebraska (2026)
This page lists the 7 public school districts headquartered in Buffalo County, Nebraska that have a SchoolDistrictFinder rating, scored using EDFacts 2021–22 state assessment data. The county rank is simply their order here; the state percentile compares each district with every rated district in Nebraska, which is how the 1–10 rating is set. Ratings are not comparable with districts in other states.
Districts are placed in the county of their NCES directory listing. A district's boundaries can cross county lines, and a home in Buffalo County may be served by a district headquartered next door — search your address or zip code to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in Buffalo County, Nebraska? ▼
Among the 7 rated districts in Buffalo County, Nebraska, 2 share the top position at 8/10 (Good), 75th percentile of Nebraska districts on EDFacts 2021–22 reading and math proficiency: Amherst Public Schools (Amherst); Kearney Public Schools (Kearney).
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 (EDFacts 2021–22), percentile-ranked against all rated districts in Nebraska and converted to a 1–10 scale. Full methodology here.