| Metric | Southern Valley Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 383 | 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 | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Valley Schools (this district) | 8/10 | 76th | 383 |
| 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 → 76th percentile → 8/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- SO VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–6 · 252 students
- SOUTHERN VALLEY JR/SR HIGH — Grades 7–12 · 145 students
About Southern Valley Schools
Families in zip code 68966 (Orleans, Nebraska) are assigned to Southern Valley Schools for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
With a rating of 8/10 (good), Southern Valley 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.
Southern Valley Schools earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Nebraska. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 68966
Children in zip code 68966 are assigned to Southern Valley 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 68966, 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 Valley 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 Orleans
For families considering a purchase in the Orleans area, district assignment matters financially. Because Southern Valley Schools serves zip code 68966, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 68966. 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 Valley 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 68966.
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 Valley Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 68966 data.