| Metric | Southern School District 1 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 379 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 31% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern School District 1 (this district) | 1/10 | 4th | 379 |
| Papillion-La Vista Community Schools | NR | — | 14,000 |
| Elkhorn Public Schools | 10/10 | 99th | 11,319 |
| Lincoln Public Schools | 6/10 | 53rd | 41,850 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 238 rated districts in NE → 4th percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- 3-YEAR-OLD PRESCHOOL — Grades PK–PK
- SOUTHERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–6 · 198 students
- SOUTHERN JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 7–12 · 163 students
About Southern School District 1
Zip code 68309 in Barneston, Nebraska is served by Southern School District 1 for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Southern School District 1’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
With a rating of 1/10 (poor), Southern School District 1 ranks among Nebraska’s low-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Nebraska is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Southern School District 1 holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Nebraska on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 68309
Children in zip code 68309 are assigned to Southern School District 1 for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 68309, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Southern School District 1 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Nebraska districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Barneston
For families considering a purchase in the Barneston area, district assignment matters financially. Because Southern School District 1 serves zip code 68309, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 68309. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Nebraska, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Southern School District 1 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 68309.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Southern School District 1 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 68309 data.