For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 692 students in Thurston County, NE.
The top-ranked public high schools in Thurston County, NE are Pender High School, Walthill High School and Umo N Ho N Nation High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Thurston County, NE public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Nebraska public high school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 47% statewide average). High schools in Thurston County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public high schools.
Thurston County, NE public high school have a Graduation Rate of 72%, which is less than the Nebraska average of 84%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Pender High School, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Nebraska or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Nebraska public high school average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Thurston County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pender High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
609 Whitney St
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3244
Gr: 7-12 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Walthill High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
602 Main St
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Walthill, NE 68067
(402) 846-5432
Gr: 7-12 | 153 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #33.
Umo N Ho N Nation High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
470 Main St
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Macy, NE 68039
(402) 837-5622
Gr: 9-12 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: #44.
Winnebago High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
202 Osborne St
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Winnebago, NE 68071
(402) 878-2224
Gr: 9-12 | 187 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Thurston County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1442 V Road
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-2592
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-2592
Gr: PK-8 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
<麻豆果冻传媒 class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Thurston County, NE?
The top-ranked public high schools in Thurston County, NE include Pender High School, Walthill High School and Umo N Ho N Nation High School.
How many public high schools are located in Thurston County?
4 public high schools are located in Thurston County.
What is the racial composition of students in Thurston County?
Thurston County public high schools minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Nebraska public high schools average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
麻豆果冻传媒 Articles
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today鈥檚 public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.