Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Columbus Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 1,989 students in Columbus, NE.
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, NE are Shell Creek Elementary School, Centennial Elementary School and Lost Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus, NE public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the Nebraska public pre school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 50% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbus have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public preschool average of 38% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Columbus, NE (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shell Creek Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
16786 280th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-8008
Gr: PK-6 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Centennial Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
500 Centennial St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-8180
Gr: PK-4 | 347 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Lost Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3772 33rd Ave
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7045
Gr: PK-4 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #44.
North Park Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2200 31st St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7070
Gr: PK-4 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #55.
West Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4100 Adamy St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7075
Gr: PK-4 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2410 20th St
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7030
Gr: PK-4 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: n/an/a
Esu 7 Learning Academy
Alternative School
2567 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12
Rank: n/an/a
Kramer Education Center
2410 16th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Gr: PK | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: n/an/a
Pathways Beyond/early Steps To Success Building
2508 27th Street
Columbus, NE 68602
(402) 563-7000
Gr: PK
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Columbus, Nebraska

Columbus, Nebraska Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Boys & Girls Home-columbus (Closed 2012)
3020 18th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4949
Gr: 6-12
Columbus Early Learning Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2657 44th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-0815
Gr: PK-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Sunrise Elementary School (Closed 2010)
860 E 29th St
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-4540
Gr: PK-8 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 85%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, NE?
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus, NE include Shell Creek Elementary School, Centennial Elementary School and Lost Creek Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbus?
9 public preschools are located in Columbus.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus?
Columbus public preschools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Nebraska public preschools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Columbus are often viewed compared to one another?

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