| Metric | Kearney Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 6,152 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 15 | 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 | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kearney Public Schools (this district) | 8/10 | 75th | 6,152 |
| 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 → 75th percentile → 8/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- MEADOWLARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 417 students
- KENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 398 students
- NORTHEAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 397 students
- KEARNEY EDUCATION CENTER — Grades PK–PK · 332 students
- CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 284 students
- BUFFALO HILLS ELEMENTARY — Grades PK–5 · 272 students
- WINDY HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 259 students
- PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 257 students
- BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 248 students
- EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 235 students
- GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 118 students
- HORIZON MIDDLE SCHOOL — Grades 6–8 · 648 students
- SUNRISE MIDDLE SCHOOL — Grades 6–8 · 536 students
- KEARNEY HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 9–12 · 1,663 students
- HANNY ARRAM CENTER — Grades 6–12 · 2 students
About Kearney Public Schools
Zip code 68861 in Odessa, Nebraska is served by Kearney Public Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Kearney Public Schools’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
With a rating of 8/10 (good), Kearney Public Schools ranks among Nebraska’s above-average-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.
Kearney Public 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 68861
Children in zip code 68861 are assigned to Kearney Public 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 68861, 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 Kearney Public Schools 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 Odessa
For families considering a purchase in the Odessa area, district assignment matters financially. Because Kearney Public Schools serves zip code 68861, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 68861. 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 Kearney Public 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 68861.
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 Kearney Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 68861 data.