Top 10 Public High Schools in Nebraska in 2027

1. Millard North High School

Millard North ranks first on ACT performance near 24, a graduation rate around 95%, and more than 20 AP courses, the deepest catalog of any Nebraska public high school. Roughly 2,400 students attend this Millard Public Schools flagship in Douglas County, supported by a 16:1 student-teacher ratio and dual-enrollment ties across the University of Nebraska system.

Families chasing the state's strongest all-around academics and college pipeline should start here, though the large enrollment and intensely competitive culture can feel impersonal for some learners. Elkhorn South below it matches the modern facilities and athletics but trails on top-end ACT scores and AP breadth, so Millard North remains the benchmark every other Nebraska public is measured against.

2. Elkhorn South High School

Elkhorn South earns second on an average ACT near 23, a graduation rate around 96%, and a broad AP catalog backed by dual-enrollment ties to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. About 1,800 students attend this fast-growing Douglas County campus on Omaha's western edge, which pairs modern STEM labs and multiple state athletic titles with a 16:1 student-teacher ratio.

West-Omaha families wanting a polished, high-achieving suburban school fit best here, though rapid district growth strains capacity and the affluent draw area feels less diverse than Omaha Central. It sits just below Millard North on top-end test scores and AP depth, but edges Lincoln East on graduation rate and facility quality.

3. Lincoln East High School

Lincoln East is the value champion: roughly 2,000 students in Lancaster County get an average ACT near 23, a graduation rate around 93%, and one of the capital's broadest AP catalogs at zero tuition. Proximity to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln opens dual-enrollment, internship, and mentorship access, while a 17:1 student-teacher ratio keeps classes manageable and speech, music, and athletics programs run deep.

Capital-city families wanting near-top academics without private-school cost should choose this school, accepting that top-end outcomes trail Millard North. It outranks Westside on AP breadth and UNL access, though Westside's modular scheduling offers more independence for self-directed students.

4. Westside High School

Westside ranks fourth on its flexible modular scheduling system, which gives roughly 2,000 Douglas County students a college-like rhythm rare among Nebraska publics. Average ACT sits near 23 with a graduation rate around 92%, a wide AP catalog, dual-enrollment options, and a 16:1 student-teacher ratio supporting strong arts and athletics programs in the Westside Community Schools district.

Central-Omaha families wanting a college-prep program that builds independence should look here, though self-directed scheduling suits some students far better than others. Top-end scores trail Millard North, and Lincoln East above it offers broader AP access at a similar ACT average, making Westside the pick for fit over raw rankings.

5. Millard West High School

Millard West places fifth on an average ACT near 23, a graduation rate around 94%, and a deep AP catalog paired with one of the state's broadest activities slates. Roughly 2,400 students attend this Douglas County campus, where district resources fund championship athletics, large music ensembles, and standout DECA and journalism programs at a 16:1 student-teacher ratio.

West-Omaha families wanting Millard academics with a huge club and activities menu fit best, though the large enrollment can feel impersonal. It sits a notch below Millard North at the top end and just behind Westside on scheduling innovation, but beats both Lincoln schools on activities breadth for students who want to do everything.

6. Lincoln Southwest High School

Lincoln Southwest takes sixth on an average ACT near 22, a graduation rate around 93%, and a solid AP catalog with dual-enrollment ties to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. About 1,900 students attend this modern Lancaster County campus on Lincoln's growing southwest side, where STEM and arts facilities are newer than most and a 17:1 student-teacher ratio keeps classes steady.

Lincoln families wanting a polished, contemporary school with UNL access should consider it, though outcomes sit just below Lincoln East and growing enrollment pressures capacity. It ranks above Papillion-La Vista South on graduation rate and UNL proximity, but trails Millard West on AP depth and activities variety.

7. Papillion-La Vista South High School

Papillion-La Vista South ranks seventh on an average ACT near 22, a graduation rate around 94%, and a broad AP catalog with dual-enrollment options through area colleges. Roughly 1,800 students attend this Sarpy County campus, where STEM, JROTC, and athletics programs reflect the community's military and engineering ties near Offutt Air Force Base, all at a 17:1 student-teacher ratio.

Sarpy County families wanting a well-resourced suburban school with strong STEM should look here, though top-end scores trail the Omaha leaders and rapid growth strains capacity. It edges Gretna on established AP breadth and facilities, but Gretna's 95% graduation rate and newer campus give it momentum for families prioritizing trajectory.

8. Gretna High School

Gretna earns eighth on a graduation rate around 95%, an average ACT near 22, and an expanding AP catalog with dual-enrollment access, all in one of Nebraska's fastest-growing Sarpy County communities. Roughly 1,600 students attend, and recent facility investment including new campus construction supports strong athletics and a tight-knit community feel at a 17:1 student-teacher ratio.

Families wanting a fast-rising community school with room to grow should choose Gretna, accepting that newer programs are still building deep traditions and explosive growth strains classroom capacity. It trails Papillion-La Vista South on established AP breadth, but its higher graduation rate and new facilities make it the stronger bet for families moving into the southwest metro.

9. Omaha Central High School

Omaha Central ranks ninth as Nebraska's oldest high school, enrolling roughly 2,500 students in a landmark downtown Douglas County building with an average ACT near 21 and a graduation rate around 88%. Its rigorous AP and dual-enrollment program, celebrated debate and academic-competition tradition, and one of the state's most diverse student bodies give it a distinctive college-prep character at a 17:1 student-teacher ratio.

Families wanting a historic, diverse, magnet-style experience with strong University of Nebraska at Omaha ties should pick Central, accepting that the wide-ranging student body pulls average ACT to 21 and graduation to 88%. It trails Gretna on both metrics, but no other school on this list matches its debate tradition or diversity.

10. Lincoln Southeast High School

Lincoln Southeast closes the list on an average ACT near 22, a graduation rate around 91%, and a dependable AP catalog with dual-enrollment ties to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. About 1,900 students attend this established Lancaster County campus, where strong music, speech, and athletics traditions and a loyal community support a balanced experience at a 17:1 student-teacher ratio.

Lincoln families wanting a well-rounded, established capital-city school with UNL access should consider it, though outcomes sit below Lincoln East and older facilities need periodic modernization. It ranks just behind Omaha Central on AP rigor and diversity, but its higher graduation rate and steadier academics make it the safer all-around choice.

How we ranked these

We weighted six factors using published data from the Nebraska Department of Education, U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, College Board, and NCES. Academic performance (test scores, proficiency) counted 25%, college and post-grad outcomes 20%, value and cost 15%, teachers and resources 15%, environment and safety 15%, and extracurriculars and fit 10%. Schools posting strong scores but weak graduation rates, or great athletics but weak academics, dropped quickly.

We deliberately ignored marketing claims, single-year championship banners, and flashy new buildings, because none reliably predict student outcomes. We also set aside national ranking positions that reward selectivity or wealth rather than teaching quality, and we excluded private schools and tuition-charging programs since Nebraska families comparing free public options need an apples-to-apples list. Sustained graduation rates, AP access, and teacher quality carried far more weight than headlines.

What to look for

Start with your specific student, not the school's reputation. A 2,400-student campus like Millard North offers 20-plus AP courses and a deep college pipeline, but a quieter learner may thrive at Gretna or Papillion-La Vista South, where ratios near 17:1 and tighter communities mean more individual attention. Confirm the exact AP courses and dual-enrollment partners your student needs, not just the catalog size.

The mistake most buyers make is choosing on a single year's ACT average or a championship banner. A school's average ACT near 24 reflects its whole student body, not your child's trajectory. Instead, visit during a normal school day, ask about counseling ratios and course-change flexibility, and check whether the activities your student actually cares about — debate, DECA, JROTC, orchestra — have real depth or exist in name only.

Related questions

Which Nebraska public high school has the highest average ACT score?

Millard North High School in Omaha posts an average ACT near 24, the highest among the schools reviewed here. Elkhorn South and several Lincoln and Millard campuses land near 23, while most other strong Nebraska publics cluster around 21 to 22. Statewide averages sit lower still, so these schools meaningfully outperform the typical Nebraska high school.

Is Lincoln East High School really the best value in Nebraska?

For capital-city families, yes. Lincoln East delivers an average ACT near 23, a graduation rate around 93%, and one of Lincoln's broadest AP catalogs at zero tuition. Proximity to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln adds dual-enrollment, internship, and mentorship access. Millard North edges it on top-end outcomes, but Lincoln East wins on return per dollar.

How do Omaha and Lincoln public high schools compare?

Omaha-area schools like Millard North, Elkhorn South, and Westside post slightly higher ACT averages and graduation rates, while Lincoln East and Lincoln Southwest offer comparable AP access plus UNL dual-enrollment. Omaha has more schools at the very top; Lincoln offers strong outcomes with a smaller, more consistent set of options and generally lower housing costs.

What is Westside High School's modular scheduling and who does it suit?

Westside uses flexible modular scheduling that mimics a college rhythm, giving students unusual control over when and how they study. It suits self-directed, organized learners who thrive with independence. Students who need more structure and daily accountability may prefer a traditional bell schedule at Millard West or Papillion-La Vista South, where pacing is externally enforced.

Which Nebraska high schools are best for STEM-focused students?

Elkhorn South offers modern STEM labs and dual-enrollment ties to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Papillion-La Vista South pairs strong STEM with JROTC, reflecting Offutt Air Force Base ties. Millard North's 20-plus AP catalog includes deep calculus and science offerings. Lincoln Southwest also invests in modern STEM facilities on Lincoln's growing southwest side.

Do any Nebraska public high schools offer International Baccalaureate programs?

Nebraska's IB access is limited compared with AP. Millard North offers IB-style enrichment rather than a full IB diploma, and most top schools here lean on large AP catalogs plus dual enrollment instead. Families specifically seeking a full IB diploma should verify current authorization directly with each district, since offerings change year to year.

How important is student-teacher ratio when comparing these schools?

Ratios here range from roughly 16:1 at Millard and Elkhorn campuses to 17:1 at Lincoln and Sarpy County schools. That gap sounds small but compounds across a schedule. More important than the headline number is average class size in core courses and counselor-to-student ratios, which shape scheduling flexibility and college advising quality.

What graduation rates do Nebraska's top public high schools report?

Elkhorn South reports around 96%, Gretna around 95%, Millard North around 95%, and Millard West around 94%. Papillion-La Vista South and Lincoln East sit near 93 to 94%. Omaha Central reports around 88%, reflecting a broader, more diverse enrollment. Anything above 90% is strong by national standards.

FAQ

Which is the best public high school in Nebraska?

Millard North High School in Omaha earns the top spot for its average ACT near 24, more than 20 AP courses, a graduation rate around 95%, and a strong college pipeline into the University of Nebraska system and beyond. It is the most complete public school package in the state on published data.

What is the best value public high school in Nebraska?

Lincoln East High School is the value pick, delivering an average ACT near 23, a graduation rate around 93%, and a broad AP catalog at zero tuition. Its proximity to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln adds dual-enrollment and internship access that few free public options match.

Are all the schools on this list free to attend?

Yes. Every school listed is a public high school funded through Nebraska's school system, so resident families pay no tuition. Costs appear only through housing location, since attendance zones tie to where you live. Moving into a district is the practical way to access these schools.

How do Nebraska ACT scores compare across these top schools?

Millard North leads near 24, with Elkhorn South, Lincoln East, Westside, and Millard West around 23. Lincoln Southwest, Papillion-La Vista South, Gretna, and Lincoln Southeast sit near 22, and Omaha Central near 21. All generally exceed Nebraska's statewide average.

Which Nebraska high school has the best college pipeline?

Millard North feeds strongly into the University of Nebraska system and selective out-of-state schools. Elkhorn South has dual-enrollment ties to UNO, Lincoln East and Lincoln Southwest connect to UNL, and Omaha Central leverages UNO and local employer partnerships. Pipeline strength tracks AP access and counseling resources.

Which school is best for a student wanting an unusual academic model?

Westside High School stands out for modular scheduling that builds college-style independence. Omaha Central offers a historic, debate-rich college-prep culture with one of Nebraska's most diverse student bodies. Both suit students who want something different from a conventional comprehensive high school experience.

How large are these Nebraska high schools?

Enrollments range from roughly 1,600 at Gretna to about 2,500 at Omaha Central. Millard North and Millard West each serve around 2,400 students, while Lincoln East, Westside, and Lincoln Southwest sit near 1,900 to 2,000. Larger campuses fund broader course catalogs and activities but can feel impersonal.

What should families verify before choosing a Nebraska high school?

Confirm the specific AP courses and dual-enrollment partners your student needs, average class sizes in core subjects, counselor ratios, and whether desired activities have real depth. Check current Nebraska Department of Education data rather than reputation. Visit during a normal school day and ask about course-change flexibility and transfer policies.

Do Nebraska high schools offer dual enrollment for college credit?

Yes. Most schools on this list partner with University of Nebraska campuses or area colleges. Elkhorn South and Omaha Central connect to UNO, while Lincoln East, Lincoln Southwest, and Lincoln Southeast tie into UNL. Dual enrollment lets students earn transferable college credit at little or no cost while still in high school.

How much does living in a top Nebraska school district cost?

Housing premiums vary. Millard and Elkhorn attendance zones in west Omaha and Sarpy County typically carry higher home prices, while Lincoln districts often cost less for comparable outcomes. Since these are free public schools, the real price of access is the home you buy or rent inside the boundary.

Sources

• https://www.education.ne.gov/
• https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/nebraska
• https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-high-schools/s/nebraska/
• https://www.greatschools.org/nebraska/
• https://nces.ed.gov/
• https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/
• https://www.mpsomaha.org/
• https://www.lps.org/

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