Custer County Schools & Education
Custer County, Nebraska
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
56/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,216
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
56/100
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
#62
of 93 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Custer County
School Verdict
Custer County performs at an average level with a school score of 56/100 and a solid graduation rate of 86.9%.
Funding Context
Custer County spends $9,216 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 Custer County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 13% below the Nebraska average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 0.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 12% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Custer County, Nebraska
Expansive Education Network in Custer County
Custer County maintains 15 public schools across six districts, the highest number of districts in the region for its size. This network supports 1,881 students through a mix of six elementary schools, one middle school, six high schools, and two alternative schools. The high number of districts reflects the county's commitment to localized, community-based education.
Meeting State Standards with Efficient Spending
The county graduation rate of 86.9% perfectly matches the Nebraska state average and sits right at the national benchmark. Custer County invests $9,216 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 56.7 that exceeds the national median of 50. These metrics suggest a stable and reliable educational environment that consistently meets state expectations.
Broken Bow Public Schools Leads the Way
Broken Bow Public Schools is the largest district, educating 890 students across five schools. Anselmo-Merna and Callaway Public Schools also play vital roles, serving 245 and 180 students respectively. Despite the high number of districts, there are zero charter schools, keeping the focus entirely on traditional public education.
Vast Rural Landscapes and Intimate Schools
With ten rural schools and five in town settings, the county offers an average school size of 125 students. North Park Elementary is the largest school with 350 students, while many other facilities are much smaller. This allows for a close-knit feel where students and teachers are well-acquainted across all grade levels.
Find Your Community in Custer County Schools
Families who value small school environments and local community control will find Custer County very appealing. The diverse range of six districts ensures that you can find a school culture that fits your family's specific needs. Explore homes in Broken Bow or the smaller rural townships to experience this personalized approach to learning.
School Overview
Total Schools
15
in Custer County
Total Enrollment
1,881
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 Custer County
BROKEN BOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ANSELMO-MERNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ANSLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ARNOLD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CALLAWAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SARGENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
15 Public Schools in Custer County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | BROKEN BOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–5 | Primary | 350 |
| BROKEN BOW HIGH SCHOOL | BROKEN BOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 247 |
| BROKEN BOW MIDDLE SCHOOL | BROKEN BOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 175 |
| ANSELMO-MERNA ELEMENTARY-MERNA | ANSELMO-MERNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 149 |
| ARNOLD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ARNOLD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 121 |
| ANSLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ANSLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 121 |
| CALLAWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CALLAWAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 101 |
| ANSELMO-MERNA HIGH SCHOOL | ANSELMO-MERNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 96 |
| SARGENT HIGH SCHOOL | SARGENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 93 |
| SARGENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | SARGENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 81 |
| CALLAWAY HIGH SCHOOL | CALLAWAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 79 |
| ANSLEY HIGH SCHOOL | ANSLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 79 |
| NEW DISCOVERIES PRESCHOOL | BROKEN BOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK | Other | 78 |
| ARNOLD HIGH SCHOOL | ARNOLD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 71 |
| EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | BROKEN BOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK | Other | 40 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,216
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Custer County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Custer County?
How much does Custer County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Custer County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Custer County, Nebraska?
Custer County maintains 15 public schools across six districts, the highest number of districts in the region for its size. This network supports 1,881 students through a mix of six elementary schools, one middle school, six high schools, and two alternative schools. The high number of districts reflects the county's commitment to localized, community-based education.
How do schools in Custer County perform academically?
The county graduation rate of 86.9% perfectly matches the Nebraska state average and sits right at the national benchmark. Custer County invests $9,216 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 56.7 that exceeds the national median of 50. These metrics suggest a stable and reliable educational environment that consistently meets state expectations.
What are the major school districts in Custer County, Nebraska?
Broken Bow Public Schools is the largest district, educating 890 students across five schools. Anselmo-Merna and Callaway Public Schools also play vital roles, serving 245 and 180 students respectively. Despite the high number of districts, there are zero charter schools, keeping the focus entirely on traditional public education.
What is the school experience like in Custer County?
With ten rural schools and five in town settings, the county offers an average school size of 125 students. North Park Elementary is the largest school with 350 students, while many other facilities are much smaller. This allows for a close-knit feel where students and teachers are well-acquainted across all grade levels.
How can I find homes near good schools in Custer County, Nebraska?
Families who value small school environments and local community control will find Custer County very appealing. The diverse range of six districts ensures that you can find a school culture that fits your family's specific needs. Explore homes in Broken Bow or the smaller rural townships to experience this personalized approach to learning.
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.