Dawes County Schools & Education
Dawes County, Nebraska
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
41/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
58.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
58.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,444
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
41/100
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
#88
of 93 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Dawes County
School Verdict
Dawes County has average school quality (score: 41/100) with a graduation rate of 58.4%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
Dawes County spends $9,444 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 Dawes County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 35% below the Nebraska average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 28.5 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 10% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Dawes County, Nebraska
Educational Access Across Dawes County
Dawes County provides seven public schools across three districts, educating a total of 1,145 students. The county’s offerings include three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. This compact system serves both the town of Chadron and the surrounding rural landscapes of Nebraska's panhandle.
Addressing Academic and Graduation Gaps
Dawes County currently faces significant academic challenges, with a graduation rate of 58.4% and a school score of 42.2. While the per-pupil expenditure of $9,444 is similar to other Nebraska counties, it has not yet translated to state-level graduation averages. These figures suggest a system in need of targeted support and community engagement.
Chadron Public Schools Serves the Majority
Chadron Public Schools is the largest district by far, managing four schools and 941 students. Crawford Public Schools serves a smaller group of 174 students, while the Pine Ridge Job Corps handles a specialized enrollment of 30. There are no charter schools in the county, making these traditional districts the primary path for local students.
Quiet Town Centers and Rural Learning
The county features four schools in town settings and three in rural areas, with an average school size of 164 students. Chadron Middle School is the largest individual facility with 288 students, followed closely by the High School at 267. This small-scale environment offers a tight-knit community feel despite the academic hurdles being addressed by the districts.
Explore Small-Town Living in Dawes County
Families considering Dawes County can find homes in Chadron or the scenic rural outskirts. While graduation rates are currently lower than state averages, the small school sizes offer opportunities for direct involvement in a child's education. Search for residential options near Chadron Public Schools to be part of the community’s future growth.
School Overview
Total Schools
7
in Dawes County
Total Enrollment
1,145
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Dawes County
CHADRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CRAWFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PINE RIDGE JOB CORPS
7 Public Schools in Dawes County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHADRON MIDDLE SCHOOL | CHADRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 5–8 | Middle | 288 |
| CHADRON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | CHADRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 267 |
| CHADRON PRIMARY | CHADRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–3 | Primary | 240 |
| CHADRON INTERMEDIATE | CHADRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 3–4 | Primary | 146 |
| CRAWFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CRAWFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 102 |
| CRAWFORD HIGH SCHOOL | CRAWFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 72 |
| PINE RIDGE JOB CORPS | PINE RIDGE JOB CORPS | 10–12 | High | 30 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,444
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Dawes County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Dawes County?
How much does Dawes County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Dawes County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Dawes County, Nebraska?
Dawes County provides seven public schools across three districts, educating a total of 1,145 students. The county’s offerings include three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. This compact system serves both the town of Chadron and the surrounding rural landscapes of Nebraska's panhandle.
How do schools in Dawes County perform academically?
Dawes County currently faces significant academic challenges, with a graduation rate of 58.4% and a school score of 42.2. While the per-pupil expenditure of $9,444 is similar to other Nebraska counties, it has not yet translated to state-level graduation averages. These figures suggest a system in need of targeted support and community engagement.
What are the major school districts in Dawes County, Nebraska?
Chadron Public Schools is the largest district by far, managing four schools and 941 students. Crawford Public Schools serves a smaller group of 174 students, while the Pine Ridge Job Corps handles a specialized enrollment of 30. There are no charter schools in the county, making these traditional districts the primary path for local students.
What is the school experience like in Dawes County?
The county features four schools in town settings and three in rural areas, with an average school size of 164 students. Chadron Middle School is the largest individual facility with 288 students, followed closely by the High School at 267. This small-scale environment offers a tight-knit community feel despite the academic hurdles being addressed by the districts.
How can I find homes near good schools in Dawes County, Nebraska?
Families considering Dawes County can find homes in Chadron or the scenic rural outskirts. While graduation rates are currently lower than state averages, the small school sizes offer opportunities for direct involvement in a child's education. Search for residential options near Chadron Public Schools to be part of the community’s future growth.
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.