Howard County Schools & Education
Howard County, Nebraska
School Score
63/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,050
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
63/100
Higher = better
State avg 64/100
State School Rank
#47
of 93 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Howard County, Nebraska
Strong Public Education Across Seven Schools
Howard County manages a robust network of seven public schools across three districts. The system serves 1,475 students through four elementary schools and three high schools. This infrastructure provides comprehensive coverage for the county, ensuring that students in all corners of the region have access to local education.
Exceeding Benchmarks with Efficient Funding
Howard County achieves an 89.6% graduation rate, beating both state and national averages. The county maintains this high performance with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,050, which is significantly lower than the state average of $10,521. A school score of 57.7 indicates that the county is successfully translating its budget into strong student outcomes.
St Paul Public Schools Leads the Way
St Paul Public Schools is the county's largest district, educating 705 students across its two campuses. Centura Public Schools and Elba Public Schools also serve significant portions of the population with 481 and 122 students respectively. The county does not host any charter schools, keeping all students within the traditional public system.
Personalized Learning in All-Rural Schools
Every school in Howard County is classified as rural, offering a consistent atmosphere of quiet, focused study. St Paul Elementary is the largest individual school with 387 students, while several others maintain much smaller enrollments. The average school size of 211 students provides a healthy balance of social opportunities and personal instruction.
Quality Education in a Rural Setting
Howard County's high graduation rates make it a top choice for families moving to central Nebraska. The efficient school system delivers great results, making the area attractive for those who value academic performance. Look for homes in St Paul or near the Centura campuses to take advantage of these established districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
7
in Howard County
Total Enrollment
1,475
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Howard County
ST PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CENTURA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ELBA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
7 Public Schools in Howard County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST PAUL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ST PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 387 |
| ST PAUL JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL | ST PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 318 |
| CENTURA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | CENTURA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 273 |
| CENTURA SECONDARY SCHOOL | CENTURA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 208 |
| ST LIBORY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | NORTHWEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–8 | Primary | 167 |
| ELBA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ELBA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 68 |
| ELBA SECONDARY SCHOOL | ELBA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 54 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,050
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Howard County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Howard County, Nebraska?
Howard County manages a robust network of seven public schools across three districts. The system serves 1,475 students through four elementary schools and three high schools. This infrastructure provides comprehensive coverage for the county, ensuring that students in all corners of the region have access to local education.
How do schools in Howard County perform academically?
Howard County achieves an 89.6% graduation rate, beating both state and national averages. The county maintains this high performance with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,050, which is significantly lower than the state average of $10,521. A school score of 57.7 indicates that the county is successfully translating its budget into strong student outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Howard County, Nebraska?
St Paul Public Schools is the county's largest district, educating 705 students across its two campuses. Centura Public Schools and Elba Public Schools also serve significant portions of the population with 481 and 122 students respectively. The county does not host any charter schools, keeping all students within the traditional public system.
What is the school experience like in Howard County?
Every school in Howard County is classified as rural, offering a consistent atmosphere of quiet, focused study. St Paul Elementary is the largest individual school with 387 students, while several others maintain much smaller enrollments. The average school size of 211 students provides a healthy balance of social opportunities and personal instruction.
How can I find homes near good schools in Howard County, Nebraska?
Howard County's high graduation rates make it a top choice for families moving to central Nebraska. The efficient school system delivers great results, making the area attractive for those who value academic performance. Look for homes in St Paul or near the Centura campuses to take advantage of these established districts.
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.