
Meadowlark Elementary School, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools is proud to announce that Meadowlark Elementary School has been ranked the #1 Elementary School in Nebraska by SchoolDigger.com, one of the national resources for school performance data and rankings.
SchoolDigger’s 2024 rankings evaluated 428 public elementary schools in the state using a combination of standardized test scores, student-to-teacher ratios, and per-pupil expenditures. Meadowlark earned the top spot, distinguishing itself among Nebraska’s most competitive and high-performing schools.
“We are incredibly proud of the students, staff, and families of Meadowlark Elementary,” said Jason Mundorf, Superintendent of Kearney Public Schools. “This ranking reflects the tireless commitment of our educators, the dedication of our students, and the strong community support that makes Meadowlark an exceptional place to learn and grow.”
With 399 students enrolled from preschool through fifth grade, Meadowlark serves a diverse student population and maintains a strong focus on academic excellence, inclusive education, and whole-child development.
Meadowlark Principal Mark Stute, who has led the school since 2006, attributes the school’s success to its dedicated and passionate staff.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work, professionalism, and heart our teachers and support staff bring every single day,” said Stute. “Our team works tirelessly to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. I’m incredibly proud to work alongside such an exceptional group of educators who consistently go above and beyond for our kids.”
The top 10 schools in Nebraska include:
- 1st Meadowlark Elementary School Kearney
- 2nd Blue Sage Elementary Elkhorn
- 3rd Aldrich Elementary Omaha
- 4th Spring Ridge Elementary Omaha
- 5th Skyline Elementary School Elkhorn
- 6th Grace Abbott Elementary School Omaha
- 7th Reeder Elementary School Gretna
- 8th Fire Ridge Elementary School Elkhorn
- 9th Reagan Elementary Omaha
- 10th Anchor Pointe Elementary Bennington
SchoolDigger.com ranks over 136,000 public and private schools nationwide, offering detailed profiles that include test scores, financial statistics, and demographic information. Their mission is to help families make informed decisions about their children’s education.