Holt County Schools & Education

Holt County, Nebraska

NCES + U.S. Census Bureau

School Score

58/100

Higher = better

Rating

Average

Graduation Rate

85.0%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

85.0%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 86.9%

Per-Pupil Spending

$10,708

National avg $13,239

State avg $10,521

School Score

58/100

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

#58

of 93 counties (1 = best)

Education Advisory: Holt County

School Verdict

Holt County performs at an average level with a school score of 58/100 and a solid graduation rate of 85.0%.

Funding Context

Holt County spends $10,708 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 Holt County is not available.

Neighbor Context

Its school score is 10% below the Nebraska average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 1.9 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 2% higher than the state norm.

Education Overview

About Schools in Holt County, Nebraska

A Broad Network of Nine Schools

Holt County features an extensive educational infrastructure with nine public schools spread across four districts. The system includes four elementary schools and four high schools, serving a total enrollment of 1,607 students. This decentralized network ensures that even remote parts of the county have access to public education.

Consistent Spending and Stable Performance

The county spends $10,708 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Nebraska state average of $10,521. Its graduation rate of 85.0% sits just below the state and national averages but remains competitive for the region. The overall school score of 58.9 reflects a solid educational foundation that mirrors state-wide quality standards.

West Holt Leads Multiple Districts

West Holt Public Schools is the largest district by school count, managing three schools and 459 students. O'Neill Public Schools also plays a major role, housing the county's largest individual campuses. With no charter schools in the county, traditional public districts manage 100% of the student population.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Outposts

Education in Holt County takes place mostly in rural settings, though two schools are located in town centers. Enrollment varies widely, from O'Neill Elementary's 476 students to small rural schools with fewer than 100. With an average school size of 179 students, the county offers both larger social environments and tiny, focused classrooms.

Diverse Options for Every Family

Whether you prefer a town-based school or a quiet rural classroom, Holt County's nine schools offer plenty of variety. The steady per-pupil investment ensures that facilities and resources remain a priority for the community. Look for real estate in O'Neill or Atkinson to be near the county's primary educational hubs.

School Overview

Total Schools

9

in Holt County

Total Enrollment

1,607

students

School Districts

4

districts

Charter Schools

0

0% of total

Student-Teacher Ratio

county average

Free Lunch (Median)

of students countywide

School Type Breakdown

Elementary4
Middle0
High4
Other1

4 School Districts in Holt County

O'NEILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2 schools
829 students

WEST HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

3 schools
459 students

STUART PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2 schools
200 students

CHAMBERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2 schools
119 students

9 Public Schools in Holt County

O'NEILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

O'NEILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PK–6Primary476 students
O'NEILL HIGH SCHOOL

O'NEILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

7–12High353 students
WEST HOLT HIGH SCHOOL

WEST HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

7–12High215 students
ATKINSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

WEST HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PK–6Primary205 students
STUART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUART PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PK–6Primary113 students
STUART HIGH SCHOOL

STUART PUBLIC SCHOOLS

7–12High87 students
CHAMBERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CHAMBERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PK–6Primary76 students
CHAMBERS HIGH SCHOOL

CHAMBERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

7–12High43 students
WEST HOLT LITTLE PAWS PRESCHOOL

WEST HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PKOther39 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$10,708

State avg $10,521

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do schools in Holt County rate?
Holt County has a school score of 58/100, which is considered average. This score is calculated from graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and educational attainment data from NCES and the U.S. Census Bureau.
What is the graduation rate in Holt County?
The high school graduation rate in Holt County is 85.0%, which is below the national average of 87.5%. This figure is based on NCES district-level data for public high schools in the county.
How much does Holt County spend per student?
Holt County spends $10,708 per pupil annually on public education, based on NCES district finance data. This includes instructional costs, support services, and capital expenditures allocated across the student population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Holt County, Nebraska — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Holt County, Nebraska?

Holt County features an extensive educational infrastructure with nine public schools spread across four districts. The system includes four elementary schools and four high schools, serving a total enrollment of 1,607 students. This decentralized network ensures that even remote parts of the county have access to public education.

How do schools in Holt County perform academically?

The county spends $10,708 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Nebraska state average of $10,521. Its graduation rate of 85.0% sits just below the state and national averages but remains competitive for the region. The overall school score of 58.9 reflects a solid educational foundation that mirrors state-wide quality standards.

What are the major school districts in Holt County, Nebraska?

West Holt Public Schools is the largest district by school count, managing three schools and 459 students. O'Neill Public Schools also plays a major role, housing the county's largest individual campuses. With no charter schools in the county, traditional public districts manage 100% of the student population.

What is the school experience like in Holt County?

Education in Holt County takes place mostly in rural settings, though two schools are located in town centers. Enrollment varies widely, from O'Neill Elementary's 476 students to small rural schools with fewer than 100. With an average school size of 179 students, the county offers both larger social environments and tiny, focused classrooms.

How can I find homes near good schools in Holt County, Nebraska?

Whether you prefer a town-based school or a quiet rural classroom, Holt County's nine schools offer plenty of variety. The steady per-pupil investment ensures that facilities and resources remain a priority for the community. Look for real estate in O'Neill or Atkinson to be near the county's primary educational hubs.

Counties with Similar School Profile

By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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.