| Metric | High Plains Community Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 223 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 2 | 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 | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Plains Community Schools (this district) | 3/10 | 23rd | 223 |
| 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 → 23rd percentile → 3/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- HIGH PLAINS COMMUNITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–6 · 114 students
- HIGH PLAINS COMMUNITY JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 7–12 · 93 students
About High Plains Community Schools
High Plains Community Schools is the public school district assigned to zip code 68628 in Clarks, Nebraska. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 68628. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
High Plains Community Schools has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 3/10, placing it in the below average tier. 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.
⚠️ Small-district caveat. High Plains Community Schools enrolls 223 students. A percentile rank drawn from so few test-takers is statistically unstable — it can move several points from one year to the next on normal variation alone, and a single class of students can swing it. Treat this rating as a rough signal rather than a precise ranking, and look at the school-level detail below before drawing conclusions.
High Plains Community Schools carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Nebraska benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 68628
Children in zip code 68628 are assigned to High Plains Community Schools 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 68628, 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 High Plains Community Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. 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 Clarks
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because High Plains Community Schools serves zip code 68628, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 68628. 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 High Plains Community Schools 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 68628.
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 High Plains Community Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 68628 data.