Adams County Schools & Education
Adams County, Nebraska
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
59/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,645
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
59/100
Higher = better
State avg 64/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#56
of 93 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Adams County
School Verdict
Adams County performs at an average level with a school score of 59/100 and a solid graduation rate of 89.0%.
Funding Context
Adams County spends $8,645 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Adams County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 8% below the Nebraska average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 2.1 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 18% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Adams County, Nebraska
A Robust Educational Framework in Adams County
Adams County supports a diverse educational infrastructure with 18 public schools serving 5,048 students across six districts. The network includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools, providing specialized pathways for local families. This comprehensive system ensures broad access to education from primary through secondary levels.
High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending
Students here achieve an impressive 89.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the national benchmark of 87.0% and the Nebraska state average of 86.9%. While the county spends $8,645 per pupil—well below the national average of $13,000—it maintains a solid school score of 56.6. These figures suggest a high level of academic efficiency and student success.
Hastings Public Schools Leads the Region
Hastings Public Schools is the dominant district, managing eight schools and educating 3,644 students. Adams Central Public Schools also plays a significant role with three schools and 1,004 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as the traditional public districts manage all 100% of the local student population.
A Blend of Town and Rural Learning
The county offers a diverse locale mix with 11 schools in town settings and 7 in rural areas. Hastings Senior High School is the largest campus with 1,067 students, while the average school size across the county is 337. Families can choose between larger town-based environments or smaller, more intimate rural school settings.
Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools
With graduation rates that exceed state and national averages, Adams County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. Consider exploring neighborhoods within the Hastings or Adams Central districts to secure a home near high-performing schools. School quality remains a vital investment for both your children's future and your property value.
School Overview
Total Schools
18
in Adams County
Total Enrollment
5,048
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Adams County
HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ADAMS CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
KENESAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SILVER LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WEST HASTINGS SCHOOL
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT 09
18 Public Schools in Adams County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HASTINGS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 1,067 |
| HASTINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL | HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 780 |
| ADAMS CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ADAMS CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 499 |
| ADAMS CENTRAL JR-SR HIGH SCH | ADAMS CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 430 |
| HAWTHORNE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 332 |
| RAYMOND A WATSON ELEM SCHOOL | HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 332 |
| LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 307 |
| LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 299 |
| MORTON EARLY LEARNING CENTER | HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK | Other | 278 |
| ALCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 249 |
| KENESAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KENESAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 142 |
| KENESAW SECONDARY SCHOOL | KENESAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 141 |
| SILVER LAKE HIGH SCHOOL | SILVER LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 103 |
| ADAMS CENTRAL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER | ADAMS CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK | Other | 75 |
| WEST HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL | WEST HASTINGS SCHOOL | 9–12 | High | 14 |
| WEST HASTINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL | WEST HASTINGS SCHOOL | 7–8 | Middle | 0 |
| ESU #9 PRESCHOOL HOME BASE PRG | EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT 09 | PK | Other | 0 |
| 18+ PROGRAM | EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT 09 | 9–12 | Special Education | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,645
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Adams County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Adams County?
How much does Adams County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Adams County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Adams County, Nebraska?
Adams County supports a diverse educational infrastructure with 18 public schools serving 5,048 students across six districts. The network includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools, providing specialized pathways for local families. This comprehensive system ensures broad access to education from primary through secondary levels.
How do schools in Adams County perform academically?
Students here achieve an impressive 89.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the national benchmark of 87.0% and the Nebraska state average of 86.9%. While the county spends $8,645 per pupil—well below the national average of $13,000—it maintains a solid school score of 56.6. These figures suggest a high level of academic efficiency and student success.
What are the major school districts in Adams County, Nebraska?
Hastings Public Schools is the dominant district, managing eight schools and educating 3,644 students. Adams Central Public Schools also plays a significant role with three schools and 1,004 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as the traditional public districts manage all 100% of the local student population.
What is the school experience like in Adams County?
The county offers a diverse locale mix with 11 schools in town settings and 7 in rural areas. Hastings Senior High School is the largest campus with 1,067 students, while the average school size across the county is 337. Families can choose between larger town-based environments or smaller, more intimate rural school settings.
How can I find homes near good schools in Adams County, Nebraska?
With graduation rates that exceed state and national averages, Adams County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. Consider exploring neighborhoods within the Hastings or Adams Central districts to secure a home near high-performing schools. School quality remains a vital investment for both your children's future and your property value.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.