Red Willow County Schools & Education
Red Willow County, Nebraska
School Score
78/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
94.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
94.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,579
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
78/100
Higher = better
State avg 64/100
State School Rank
#15
of 93 counties (1 = best)
Explore Red Willow County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Red Willow County, Nebraska
Diverse Schooling Across Three Local Districts
Red Willow County supports 1,670 students across eight public schools and three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools to serve the region's youth.
High Graduation Rates Outpace National Average
The county boasts an impressive 94.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $8,579 is lower than the $13,000 national median, the school score of 59.3 remains slightly above the state average.
McCook Public Schools Leads the Region
McCook Public Schools is the county's largest district, managing five schools and educating 1,376 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with traditional districts providing all public education services.
Small-Town Feel with Mid-Sized Schools
Most students attend one of the six schools located in town settings, while two schools serve the surrounding rural areas. Enrollment ranges from 464 students at McCook Senior High to 179 at Southwest Elementary-Indianola.
Establish Your Roots Near Top-Performing Schools
With graduation rates exceeding state benchmarks, this county is a strong choice for families prioritizing academic success. Explore local home listings to find a residence within the McCook or Southwest school boundaries.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Red Willow County
Total Enrollment
1,670
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Red Willow County
MC COOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SOUTHWEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT 15
8 Public Schools in Red Willow County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC COOK SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL | MC COOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 9–12 | High | 464 |
| MC COOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | MC COOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–3 | Primary | 408 |
| MC COOK JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL | MC COOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6–8 | Middle | 307 |
| CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | MC COOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 4–5 | Primary | 197 |
| SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY-INDIANOLA | SOUTHWEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 179 |
| SOUTHWEST JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL | SOUTHWEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 115 |
| MC COOK ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION | MC COOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | Alternative | 0 |
| STEP SCHOOL | EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT 15 | 7–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,579
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Red Willow County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Red Willow County, Nebraska?
Red Willow County supports 1,670 students across eight public schools and three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools to serve the region's youth.
How do schools in Red Willow County perform academically?
The county boasts an impressive 94.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $8,579 is lower than the $13,000 national median, the school score of 59.3 remains slightly above the state average.
What are the major school districts in Red Willow County, Nebraska?
McCook Public Schools is the county's largest district, managing five schools and educating 1,376 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with traditional districts providing all public education services.
What is the school experience like in Red Willow County?
Most students attend one of the six schools located in town settings, while two schools serve the surrounding rural areas. Enrollment ranges from 464 students at McCook Senior High to 179 at Southwest Elementary-Indianola.
How can I find homes near good schools in Red Willow County, Nebraska?
With graduation rates exceeding state benchmarks, this county is a strong choice for families prioritizing academic success. Explore local home listings to find a residence within the McCook or Southwest school boundaries.
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.