Sandy Creek Elementary School

Summary:

Sandy Creek Elementary School is a public elementary school in Fairfield, Nebraska, serving 209 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the South Central Nebraska Unified 5 district.

While Sandy Creek Elementary has shown some strengths, such as strong performance for its low socioeconomic status (SES) students, the school faces several challenges. Its student performance on state assessments has been mixed, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics below the state and district averages. However, the school's 5th-grade science proficiency rate was significantly higher than the state and district averages. The school has also experienced a concerning trend of increasing chronic absenteeism rates, reaching 21.1% in the 2023-2024 school year, which is significantly higher than the state average.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Lawrence/Nelson Elementary and Sutton Elementary, Sandy Creek Elementary's performance appears to be generally lower, with lower proficiency rates and higher chronic absenteeism. The school's relatively high per-student spending, coupled with its lower-than-average student performance, may indicate an imbalance in resource allocation or inefficient use of resources, which the school should examine to improve student outcomes.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

30671 Hwy 14
Fairfield, NE 68938-2757

(402) 726-2412

District: South Central Nebraska Unified 5

SchoolDigger Rank:
333^rd of 428 Nebraska Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $18,316

Students who attend Sandy Creek Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Sandy Creek Middle School
High:	Sandy Creek High School

Student/teacher ratio: 13.9

Number of students: 275

Racial breakdown:

White:

74.5%

Hispanic:

20.7%

Two or more races:

4.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 41.8%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Sandy Creek Elementary School ranks worse than 77.8% of elementary schools in Nebraska. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 26.5. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (74.5%), Hispanic (20.7%), two or more races (4.4%). (See more...)

Compare Details 41.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Sandy Creek Elementary School is 13.9. (See more...)

Compare Sandy Creek Elementary School employs 19.7 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Sandy Creek Elementary School is $18,316.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Sandy Creek Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Sandy Creek Elementary School 333^rd of 428 Nebraska public elementary schools. (See Sandy Creek Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

White students:

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Sandy Creek Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NE State Percentile
2006	51.99	237^th	418	43.3%
2007	56.38	223^rd	430	48.1%
2008	70.07	68^th	478	85.8%
2009	61.65	182^nd	471	61.4%
2010	54.82	249^th	502	50.4%
2011	28.17	384^th	473	18.8%
2012	48.33	267^th	480	44.4%
2013	54.27	240^th	485	50.5%
2014	45.06	289^th	483	40.2%
2015	47.70	264^th	488	45.9%
2016	55.80	213^th	480	55.6%
2017	55.06	212^th	459	53.8%
2018	46.89	247^th	450	45.1%
2019	56.08	188^th	452	58.4%
2021	58.96	170^th	442	61.5%
2022	37.30	307^th	457	32.8%
2023	44.06	277^th	459	39.7%
2024	26.50	333^rd	428	22.2%

See the entire list of Nebraska Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NE State Percentile
2018	62.99	93^rd	281	66.9%
2019	90.29	7^th	298	97.7%
2021	73.23	45^th	264	83.0%
2023	72.83	60^th	312	80.8%

See the entire list of Best Nebraska Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NE State Percentile
2018	42.74	204^th	341	40.2%
2019	57.48	140^th	349	59.9%
2022	40.52	190^th	337	43.6%

See the entire list of Best Nebraska Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NE State Percentile
2018	48.09	179^th	347	48.4%
2019	58.70	145^th	367	60.5%
2021	47.03	184^th	328	43.9%
2022	32.46	245^th	356	31.2%
2023	48.88	185^th	366	49.5%

See the entire list of Best Nebraska Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	NE State Percentile
2018	31.09	291^st	391	25.6%
2019	49.79	187^th	391	52.2%
2021	50.73	165^th	368	55.2%
2022	26.29	315^th	388	18.8%
2023	35.71	258^th	385	33.0%
2024	30.88	211^th	261	19.2%

See the entire list of Best Nebraska Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Nebraska Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Nebraska Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Friday, February 5, 2016

The elementary school teaching program is great. My kids now have two teachers to utilize as resources instead of just one. It is great to hear how my kids are doing and to have it verified by both teachers. Also the kids seem to be more engaged in classes this year than any other year. There are also programs available for those kids that want to participate. Examples would include, sports, band, and chess clubs to name a few. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Sandy Creek Elementary School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2001	224	4	1	7	0	n/a	n/a	236
2002	214	4	0	7	0	n/a	n/a	225
2003	214	4	0	7	0	n/a	n/a	225
2004	249	1	0	4	0	n/a	n/a	254
2005	243	0	0	6	0	n/a	n/a	249
2006	236	0	0	8	0	n/a	n/a	244
2007	234	3	0	5	1	n/a	n/a	243
2008	232	5	0	8	1	n/a	n/a	246
2009	215	2	2	5	0	n/a	n/a	224
2010	229	2	2	4	5	n/a	n/a	242
2011	183	2	0	4	4	1	0	194
2012	179	3	0	8	3	0	0	193
2013	183	6	0	13	1	1	0	204
2014	183	5	0	13	1	2	0	204
2015	171	5	0	13	1	1	1	192
2016	161	3	0	12	0	0	1	177
2017	158	4	0	10	0	0	1	173
2018	152	1	0	10	0	0	3	166
2019	154	1	0	9	1	0	5	170
2020	160	0	0	10	1	0	6	177
2021	166	0	0	11	1	0	10	188
2022	167	1	0	11	1	1	11	192
2023	167	1	1	28	0	1	11	209
2024	205	0	0	57	1	0	12	275

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Sandy Creek Elementary School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2001	236	20.0	11.8	37.3
2002	225	19.7	11.4	36.4
2003	225	19.7	11.4	36.4
2004	254	19.7	12.9	42.5
2005	249	19.7	12.6	42.2
2006	244	19.4	12.6	39.3
2007	243	19.5	12.5	39.1
2008	246	19.5	12.6	39.8
2009	224	18.5	12.1	41.1
2010	242	18.5	13.0	47.1
2011	194	19.5	9.9	50.5
2012	193	19.5	9.8	56
2013	204	19.5	10.4	53.9
2014	204	16.8	12.1	53.9
2015	192	16.0	12.0	54.7
2016	177	14.0	12.6	55.4
2017	173	14.8	11.6	60.1
2018	166	16.8	9.8	57.2
2019	170	17.1	9.9	51.8
2020	177	17.7	9.9	48.6
2021	188	19.1	9.8	49.5
2022	192	17.6	10.8	46.9
2023	209	17.3	12.0	45.9
2024	275	19.7	13.9	41.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Sandy Creek Elementary School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2001	236	20.0	11.8	37.3
2002	225	19.7	11.4	36.4
2003	225	19.7	11.4	36.4
2004	254	19.7	12.9	42.5
2005	249	19.7	12.6	42.2
2006	244	19.4	12.6	39.3
2007	243	19.5	12.5	39.1
2008	246	19.5	12.6	39.8
2009	224	18.5	12.1	41.1
2010	242	18.5	13.0	47.1
2011	194	19.5	9.9	50.5
2012	193	19.5	9.8	56
2013	204	19.5	10.4	53.9
2014	204	16.8	12.1	53.9
2015	192	16.0	12.0	54.7
2016	177	14.0	12.6	55.4
2017	173	14.8	11.6	60.1
2018	166	16.8	9.8	57.2
2019	170	17.1	9.9	51.8
2020	177	17.7	9.9	48.6
2021	188	19.1	9.8	49.5
2022	192	17.6	10.8	46.9
2023	209	17.3	12.0	45.9
2024	275	19.7	13.9	41.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Sandy Creek Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$612 (3.4%)	$15,258 (84.3%)	$18,102
2020	$547 (3.0%)	$14,902 (82.0%)	$18,166
2021	$1,480 (7.5%)	$15,362 (78.3%)	$19,613
2022	$1,034 (5.5%)	$15,064 (79.9%)	$18,856
2023	$580 (3.2%)	$14,045 (76.7%)	$18,316

Data source: Nebraska Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Sandy Creek Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 188^th of 452 Elementary schools	Ranks 277^th of 459 Elementary schools	18.8%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Sandy Creek Elementary School)	53	56	3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (South Central Nebraska Unified 5)	52	51	1%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Nebraska)	56	63	7%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Sandy Creek Elementary School)	53	59	6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (South Central Nebraska Unified 5)	52	53	1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Nebraska)	55	58	3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Sandy Creek Elementary School)	50	46	4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (South Central Nebraska Unified 5)	52	51	1%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Nebraska)	58	55	3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Sandy Creek Elementary School)	60	50	10%
4th Grade Mathematics (South Central Nebraska Unified 5)	50	56	6%
4th Grade Mathematics (Nebraska)	51	58	7%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Sandy Creek Elementary School)	42	57	15%
5th Grade English Language Arts (South Central Nebraska Unified 5)	45	48	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Nebraska)	48	56	8%
5th Grade Mathematics (Sandy Creek Elementary School)	74	76	2%
5th Grade Mathematics (South Central Nebraska Unified 5)	72	78	6%
5th Grade Mathematics (Nebraska)	54	65	11%
5th Grade Science (Sandy Creek Elementary School)	87	70	17%
5th Grade Science (South Central Nebraska Unified 5)	86	76	10%
5th Grade Science (Nebraska)	68	76	8%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	170	209	22.9%
African American	1	1
American Indian	1	0	100%
Asian	0	1
Hispanic	9	28	211.1%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	154	167	8.4%
Two or More Races	5	11	120%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	51.8%	45.9%	5.8%

Schools Near Sandy Creek Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Sandy Creek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	30671 Hwy 14	Fairfield	68938	Clay County	South Central Nebraska Unified 5	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(402) 726-2412	275	20	13.9	41.8%	205 (74.5%)	0 (0.0%)	57 (20.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (4.4%)	26.5	333^rd of 428 public elementary schools	22.2%		44.1	277^th of 459 public elementary schools	39.7%	56	$18,316	$580	$14,045
Harvard Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	506 E North St	Harvard	68944	Clay County	Harvard Public Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(402) 772-2171	103	12	8.8		52 (50.5%)	1 (1.0%)	50 (48.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)	$22,266	$1,402	$19,038
Lawrence/Nelson Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	411 E Second	Lawrence	68957	Nuckolls County	South Central Nebraska Unified 5	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(402) 756-7013	129	12	10.7	32.6%	119 (92.2%)	1 (0.8%)	9 (7.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)	$24,526	$713	$19,016
Bruning-Davenport Elementary/Davenpt	Public	2-4	106 N Juniper Ave	Davenport	68335	Thayer County	Bruning-Davenport Unified Sys	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(402) 364-2225	40	5	7.7	32.5%	40 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)	$33,274	$2,488	$25,649
Sutton Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	1107 N Saunders	Sutton	68979	Clay County	Sutton Public Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(402) 773-4423	217	20	10.9	43.3%	152 (70.0%)	0 (0.0%)	59 (27.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (2.8%)	42.3	282^nd of 428 public elementary schools	34.1%		48.1	248^th of 459 public elementary schools	46.0%	34	$17,095	$832	$14,181
Shickley Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	104 E Murray	Shickley	68436	Fillmore County	Shickley Public Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	Yes	(402) 627-3085	93	14	6.7	30.1%	89 (95.7%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (4.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)	$28,865	$1,590	$23,575

Sandy Creek Elementary School

Sandy Creek Elementary School:

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Sandy Creek Elementary School

Rank History for all students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Rank History for Female students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Rank History for Male students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Rank History for White students at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Review counts

Enrollment information for Sandy Creek Elementary School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Sandy Creek Elementary School

Student/Teacher Ratio Sandy Creek Elementary School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Sandy Creek Elementary School

Impact of COVID-19 on Sandy Creek Elementary School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Sandy Creek Elementary School

Sandy Creek Elementary School

Harvard Elementary School

Lawrence/Nelson Elementary School

Bruning-Davenport Elementary/Davenpt

Sutton Elementary School

Shickley Elementary School

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