Buffalo County Schools & Education
Buffalo County, Nebraska
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,010
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
State avg 64/100
State School Rank
#92
of 93 counties (1 = best)
Explore Buffalo County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Buffalo County, Nebraska
A Diverse and Extensive School Network
Buffalo County manages a large education system with 28 public schools across eight different districts. This network serves 8,510 students and includes 16 elementary schools and 9 high schools to accommodate the growing population.
High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending
Students here achieve an 87.2% graduation rate, slightly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Despite this success, the county operates efficiently with a $7,010 per-pupil expenditure, which is significantly lower than the $13,000 national benchmark.
Kearney Public Schools Anchors the Region
Kearney Public Schools is the largest district by far, educating 6,152 students across 15 schools. While no charter schools exist in the county, the district offers diverse options including an alternative school and the large Kearney Education Center for preschool.
From Urban Centers to Rural Outposts
The county features a mix of 12 town-based and 16 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 315 students per campus. Kearney High School serves as a massive regional hub with 1,629 students, contrasting with the smaller, more personal rural campuses in the outlying districts.
Find Your Future in a Growing District
With high graduation rates and a variety of school sizes, Buffalo County is a top choice for families. Whether you prefer a neighborhood near the bustling Kearney High or a quiet rural setting, school quality is a key driver for home values here.
School Overview
Total Schools
28
in Buffalo County
Total Enrollment
8,510
students
School Districts
8
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
8 School Districts in Buffalo County
KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
GIBBON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
RAVENNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
AMHERST PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ELM CREEK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PLEASANTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SHELTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WEST KEARNEY HIGH SCHOOL
28 Public Schools in Buffalo County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEARNEY HIGH SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 1,629 |
| HORIZON MIDDLE SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 619 |
| SUNRISE MIDDLE SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 577 |
| KEARNEY EDUCATION CENTER | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK | Other | 416 |
| MEADOWLARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 408 |
| NORTHEAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 398 |
| KENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 381 |
| GIBBON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | GIBBON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 318 |
| BUFFALO HILLS ELEMENTARY | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 316 |
| PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 282 |
| WINDY HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 259 |
| CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 254 |
| RAVENNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | RAVENNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 244 |
| BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 241 |
| EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 241 |
| GIBBON HIGH SCHOOL | GIBBON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 236 |
| ELM CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ELM CREEK PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 225 |
| AMHERST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | AMHERST PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 224 |
| PLEASANTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | PLEASANTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 176 |
| AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL | AMHERST PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 170 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,010
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Buffalo County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Buffalo County, Nebraska?
Buffalo County manages a large education system with 28 public schools across eight different districts. This network serves 8,510 students and includes 16 elementary schools and 9 high schools to accommodate the growing population.
How do schools in Buffalo County perform academically?
Students here achieve an 87.2% graduation rate, slightly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Despite this success, the county operates efficiently with a $7,010 per-pupil expenditure, which is significantly lower than the $13,000 national benchmark.
What are the major school districts in Buffalo County, Nebraska?
Kearney Public Schools is the largest district by far, educating 6,152 students across 15 schools. While no charter schools exist in the county, the district offers diverse options including an alternative school and the large Kearney Education Center for preschool.
What is the school experience like in Buffalo County?
The county features a mix of 12 town-based and 16 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 315 students per campus. Kearney High School serves as a massive regional hub with 1,629 students, contrasting with the smaller, more personal rural campuses in the outlying districts.
How can I find homes near good schools in Buffalo County, Nebraska?
With high graduation rates and a variety of school sizes, Buffalo County is a top choice for families. Whether you prefer a neighborhood near the bustling Kearney High or a quiet rural setting, school quality is a key driver for home values here.
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.