Education

The public and private education systems in Buffalo County and Kearney efficiently delivers high quality education. In fact, students typically outperform both state and national averages in most key categories.

For post secondary education – Buffalo County is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and the Kearney Center, an extended learning center administered by the Central Community College system.

BUFFALO COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

Amherst Public Schools 100 N Sycamore, Box 8 Amherst, NE (308) 826-3131	Elm Creek Public Schools 230 Calkins, PO Box 490 Elm Creek, NE (308) 856-4300
Gibbon Public Schools 1019 Second, PO Box 790 Gibbon, NE (308) 468-6555	Kearney Public Schools 310 W 24th St Kearney, NE (308) 698-8000
Pleasanton Public Schools PO Box 190 Pleasanton, NE (308) 388-2041	Ravenna Public Schools 41750 Carthage Rd, Box 8400 Ravenna, NE (308) 452-3249
Shelton Public Schools 210 9th St, Box 610 Shelton, NE (308) 647-6742

KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM

School District 7 in Buffalo County covers 99 square miles and is "AA" accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education and the North Central Association. Kearney Public Schools were designated a Gold Medal School District for academic excellence by Expansion Management magazine, ranking in the top 16 percent of all school districts nationally.

For more information visit the Kearney Public School home page.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Kearney Catholic High School - Grades 6 -12 - (308) 234-2610

Zion Lutheran School - Grades Preschool - 8 - (308) 234-3410

Faith Christian School - Grades K -12 - (308) 236-8744

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) supports an enrollment of over 6,500 students plus the students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Nursing Program. UNK offers more than 138 undergraduate degree options through the colleges of business and technology, education, natural and social sciences, and fine arts and humanities. Over 1,000 undergraduate degrees are awarded annually. Twenty-five pre-professional and two specialist degree programs are also offered. UNK also offers degree programs and courses through distance education. With the majority of the courses offered online, students may choose from thirteen degree programs, six endorsements and a variety of courses.

For more information, visit the UNK home page.

CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Kearney is part of Central Community College which encompasses 25 counties across the state. The college maintains administrative offices in Grand Island and operates campuses at Hastings, Columbus and Grand Island. The college also operates practical nursing programs at Kearney, Grand Island and Columbus. Community Education Centers involve 92 other area communities. The college also works with area industries, retail establishments and other agencies and organizations planning in-service and/or in-plant training programs.
For more information, visit the Central Community College home page.

The Central Community College Training and Development Team has developed general and customized training and education programs for employees, managers and owners responding to the training needs of central Nebraska businesses providing educational, interactive and effective training in a variety of areas. Training can be for CCC credit or customized to meet employer needs. For more information contact Bob Niemann, Director of Business and Industry Training at (877) 222-0780.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT

Educational Service Unit No. 10 (ESU 10) is headquartered in Kearney and serves eleven counties with network information services, special education, professional development, co-op purchasing and training. ESU 10’s Cisco Regional Academy provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to become certified network associates. For more information about the many services offered through ESU 10, contact Dr. Wayne Bell at (308) 237-5927.

SPECIAL SCHOOLS

Mid-Nebraska Individual Services includes an adult center for mentally retarded adults starting at age 18. Amenities include social services, transportation, basic skills, competitive employment and home management training.

The State Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center strives toward rehabilitation of troubled boys and young men through a program of education, work and recreation. The center's goal is to return a well-rounded young man to his community where he can serve as a useful citizen. The program has a capacity of 150 students from ages 12 to 19.