For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 1,093 students in Clay County, NE (there are , serving 28 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Clay County, NE are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NE are Sandy Creek Middle School, Sutton Secondary School and Sandy Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, NE public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Nebraska public school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sandy Creek Middle School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
30671 Highway 14
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 762-3561
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 762-3561
Gr: 6-8 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Sutton Secondary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1107 N Saunders
Sutton, NE 68979
(402) 773-4303
Sutton, NE 68979
(402) 773-4303
Gr: 7-12 | 179 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Sandy Creek Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
30671 Hwy 14
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2412
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2412
Gr: PK-5 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Sutton Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1107 N Saunders
Sutton, NE 68979
(402) 773-4423
Sutton, NE 68979
(402) 773-4423
Gr: PK-6 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #55.
Harvard High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
506 E North St
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Gr: 9-12 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #66.
Sandy Creek High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
30671 Hwy 14
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Gr: 9-12 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Harvard Middle School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
506 East North Street
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Gr: 6-8 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #88.
Harvard Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
506 E North St
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Harvard, NE 68944
(402) 772-2171
Gr: PK-5 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Clay County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
200 North Center
Clay Center, NE 68933
(402) 762-3561
Clay Center, NE 68933
(402) 762-3561
Gr: PK-6 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
30671 Hwy 14
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2151
Gr: PK | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
305 East Ninth
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2287
Fairfield, NE 68938
(402) 726-2287
Gr: PK
3035 E Saddlehorn Bx 215
Glenvil, NE 68941
(402) 771-2267
Glenvil, NE 68941
(402) 771-2267
Gr: K-6 | 8 students
200 North Center
Clay Center, NE 68933
(402) 762-3561
Clay Center, NE 68933
(402) 762-3561
Gr: PK-6 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
511 Miles St Box 94
Trumbull, NE 68980
(402) 743-2307
Trumbull, NE 68980
(402) 743-2307
Gr: PK-6 | 6 students
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NE?
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NE include Sandy Creek Middle School, Sutton Secondary School and Sandy Creek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
8 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the NE state average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Clay County include: Sandy Creek High School vs. Sutton Secondary School, Harvard High School vs. Sandy Creek High School, Sutton Secondary School vs. Sandy Creek High School
Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.