Photo: MMarshall at English Wikipedia · Public domainKearney’s public schools outscore 70% of Nebraska districts
In Kearney, 58% of tested students are proficient in math, above the Nebraska average (46%). The grade covers the public school district serving Kearney, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Nebraska, not nationally.
From Nebraska state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Kearney’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 56% and math 58% in spring 2022, against 47% and 46% statewide; 94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,037 per student, against $15,602 across Nebraska (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Nine elementary schools, then two middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Catholic High School of Kearney (private), Kearney Catholic High School (private), Zion Lutheran School (private) and Faith Christian School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Kearney’s grade
B+: better than 70% of Nebraska school districts, #16 of 57 Nebraska towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Nebraska average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Kearney, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Kearney · depends on your address
Horizon Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 648 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Sunrise Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 536 students · 12:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Kearney · depends on your address
Horizon Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 648 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Sunrise Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 536 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Kearney · depends on your address
Horizon Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 648 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Sunrise Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 536 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Kearney
Kearney High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,663 students · 18:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Kearney
Kearney High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,663 students · 18:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Kearney
Kearney High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,663 students · 18:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Kearney
Kearney High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,663 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Kearney’s public schools are run by Kearney Public Schools, which also serves Riverdale. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Kearney vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Nebraska towns that share Kearney’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Kearney | B+ | Kearney |
Every school in Kearney
17 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Nebraska’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Hanny Arram Center).
Questions about Kearney’s schools
Are Kearney’s schools good?
By Nebraska’s own tests, yes: the public schools Kearney children attend outscore 70% of Nebraska’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #16 of 57 Nebraska towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 70%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Kearney in?
Kearney Public Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 6,066 students in 15 schools (2024–25).
Where do Kearney kids go to high school?
Kearney High School, with 1,663 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Kearney’s graduation rate?
94% of the class of 2023 in Kearney Public Schools graduated in four years, against 87% across Nebraska.
How much does Kearney spend per student?
$13,037 in Kearney Public Schools (FY2024), against $15,602 across Nebraska. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Kearney?
Yes: Catholic High School of Kearney (Catholic, grades 6–12, 355 students), Kearney Catholic High School (Catholic, grades 6–12, 355 students), Zion Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 183 students) and Faith Christian School (religious, grades PK–8, 115 students).
Parents talk
What Kearney families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Kearney → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Nebraska. Stars are from neighbors.