Clay County Schools & Education
Clay County, Nebraska
School Score
86/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
93.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,952
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
86/100
Higher = better
State avg 64/100
State School Rank
#8
of 93 counties (1 = best)
Explore Clay County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Clay County, Nebraska
Small-Scale Learning Across Clay County
Clay County operates 9 public schools across three districts, serving a total student population of 1,105. The landscape includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools, and one specialized facility. This rural-focused system provides a high level of individual attention for every enrolled student.
Exceptional Graduation Rates and High Scores
Clay County excels academically with a graduation rate of 93.7%, significantly higher than the national average of 87%. The county’s school score of 64.0 also beats the state average of 59.1, reflecting strong returns on the $10,952 spent per pupil. While spending remains below the $13,000 national average, the results place these schools among the state's top performers.
Unified Districts and Local Champions
South Central Nebraska Unified 5 is the largest district, managing eight schools and 714 students across the region. Sutton Public Schools follows with 420 students, while Harvard Public Schools serves a smaller group of 207 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring all 1,105 students benefit from traditional public school resources.
A Purely Rural Educational Experience
Every single school in Clay County is classified as rural, offering a consistent and quiet learning environment for students. Sutton Elementary is the largest school with 240 students, followed by Sandy Creek Elementary with 209. With an average school size of only 123 students, teachers can provide highly personalized instruction.
Invest in a Community That Values Education
Clay County is an ideal destination for families prioritizing high academic outcomes and small rural campuses. The impressive 93.7% graduation rate makes this area a standout choice for long-term residential investment. Consider a home near Sutton or Harvard to take advantage of these top-tier public school districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
9
in Clay County
Total Enrollment
1,105
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Clay County
SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5
SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
9 Public Schools in Clay County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUTTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 240 |
| SANDY CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5 | PK–5 | Primary | 209 |
| SUTTON SECONDARY SCHOOL | SUTTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 180 |
| SANDY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL | SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5 | 9–12 | High | 110 |
| HARVARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 97 |
| SANDY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL | SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5 | 6–8 | Middle | 96 |
| CLAY CO LEARNING CENTER - FAIRFIELD | SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA UNIFIED 5 | PK | Other | 63 |
| HARVARD HIGH SCHOOL | HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 56 |
| HARVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL | HARVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 54 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,952
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clay County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clay County, Nebraska?
Clay County operates 9 public schools across three districts, serving a total student population of 1,105. The landscape includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools, and one specialized facility. This rural-focused system provides a high level of individual attention for every enrolled student.
How do schools in Clay County perform academically?
Clay County excels academically with a graduation rate of 93.7%, significantly higher than the national average of 87%. The county’s school score of 64.0 also beats the state average of 59.1, reflecting strong returns on the $10,952 spent per pupil. While spending remains below the $13,000 national average, the results place these schools among the state's top performers.
What are the major school districts in Clay County, Nebraska?
South Central Nebraska Unified 5 is the largest district, managing eight schools and 714 students across the region. Sutton Public Schools follows with 420 students, while Harvard Public Schools serves a smaller group of 207 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring all 1,105 students benefit from traditional public school resources.
What is the school experience like in Clay County?
Every single school in Clay County is classified as rural, offering a consistent and quiet learning environment for students. Sutton Elementary is the largest school with 240 students, followed by Sandy Creek Elementary with 209. With an average school size of only 123 students, teachers can provide highly personalized instruction.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clay County, Nebraska?
Clay County is an ideal destination for families prioritizing high academic outcomes and small rural campuses. The impressive 93.7% graduation rate makes this area a standout choice for long-term residential investment. Consider a home near Sutton or Harvard to take advantage of these top-tier public school districts.
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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.