High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Q: Is High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School a good school?

High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School ranks 63 rd of 168 Nebraska high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Summary:

High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School is a public school located in Polk, Nebraska, serving grades 7-12 with a total enrollment of 102 students. The school is part of the High Plains Community Schools district, which is ranked 85 out of 182 districts in Nebraska and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School has demonstrated strong academic performance, particularly in recent years. The school has shown significant improvement in its statewide ranking, moving from 199 out of 217 Nebraska high schools in 2018-2019 to 63 out of 168 in 2023-2024. Its performance on standardized tests is also noteworthy, with the school outperforming the state average in several key areas, including 72.73% proficiency in ACT/English Language Arts, 54.55% in ACT/Science, and 58% in NSCAS/Mathematics for 7th grade. Additionally, the school has consistently maintained a 100% four-year graduation rate, a remarkable achievement.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Aurora High School and York High School, High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School generally performs better academically, with higher test scores and graduation rates. However, the school has experienced some fluctuations in its statewide ranking over the years, and it has also faced relatively high rates of chronic absenteeism, ranging from 9.5% to 21.5% in recent years. By addressing these challenges and building on its strengths, High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School can continue to provide an excellent educational experience for its students.

Detail:

Public 7-12

345 S Pine
Polk, NE 68654-0029

(402) 765-3331

District: High Plains Community Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
63^rd of 168 Nebraska High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $34,727

Feeder schools for High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School:

Elementary:

High Plains Community Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio: 7.3

Number of students: 99

Racial breakdown:

White:

83.8%

Hispanic:

15.2%

African American:

1.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 38.4%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2022 the calculated Average Standard Score was 35.59. (See more...)

Compare Details High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School ranks better than 62.5% of high schools in Nebraska. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 65.48. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (83.8%), Hispanic (15.2%), African American (1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 38.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School is 7.3. (See more...)

Compare High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School employs 13.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School is $34,727.

Schooldigger Rankings:

High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School 63^rd of 168 Nebraska public high schools. (See High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School in the ranking list.)

High Plains Community Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks High Plains Community Schools 85^th of 182 Nebraska school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

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Rank History for all middle school students at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NE State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2022	35.59	178^th	249	28.5%

See the entire list of Nebraska High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school White students at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	NE State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2022	33.71	167^th	234	28.6%

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

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

Rank History for High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

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Rank History for all high school students at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NE State Percentile
2006	44.67	176^th	249	29.3%
2007	37.18	200^th	247	19.0%
2008	65.07	80^th	252	68.3%
2009	54.98	127^th	251	49.4%
2010	59.71	101^st	249	59.4%
2011	96.97	2^nd	252	99.2%
2012	72.40	44^th	245	82.0%
2013	69.38	62^nd	247	74.9%
2014	78.11	34^th	247	86.2%
2015	76.97	35^th	242	85.5%
2016	44.36	148^th	246	39.8%
2017	6.76	210^th	219	4.1%
2018	74.49	50^th	219	77.2%
2019	10.77	199^th	217	8.3%
2021	28.29	156^th	209	25.4%
2022	32.84	137^th	202	32.2%
2024	65.48	63^rd	168	62.5%

See the entire list of Nebraska High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NE State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	63.70	19^th	83	77.1%

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

Rank History for high school White students at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	NE State Percentile
2018	68.26	59^th	205	71.2%
2019	8.75	197^th	207	4.8%
2021	25.61	157^th	200	21.5%
2024	73.63	28^th	125	77.6%

See the entire list of Best Nebraska High 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

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Enrollment information for High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2001	120	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	120
2002	102	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	102
2003	102	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	102
2004	101	0	1	0	n/a	n/a	102
2005	118	0	1	1	n/a	n/a	120
2006	117	0	1	1	n/a	n/a	119
2007	114	0	0	1	n/a	n/a	115
2008	121	0	1	2	n/a	n/a	124
2009	102	0	1	1	n/a	n/a	104
2010	91	0	1	1	n/a	n/a	93
2011	89	0	0	1	0	0	90
2012	87	0	0	2	0	0	89
2013	74	0	0	3	0	0	77
2014	79	0	0	4	0	0	83
2015	78	1	0	6	0	0	85
2016	78	1	0	7	0	0	86
2017	75	1	0	7	0	0	83
2018	64	1	0	5	0	0	70
2019	71	0	0	6	0	0	77
2020	95	1	0	14	0	0	110
2021	95	0	0	15	0	0	110
2022	92	0	0	22	0	0	114
2023	81	0	0	21	0	0	102
2024	83	1	0	15	0	0	99

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 High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2001	120	12.6	9.5	29.2
2002	102	10.8	9.4	29.4
2003	102	10.8	9.4	29.4
2004	102	11.0	9.3	41.2
2005	120	11.3	10.6	44.2
2006	119	11.4	10.4	33.6
2007	115	12.6	9.1	37.4
2008	124	13.0	9.5	38.7
2009	104	13.0	8.0	31.7
2010	93	13.0	7.1	32.3
2011	90	12.8	7.0	38.9
2012	89	12.9	6.8	38.2
2013	77	13.2	5.8	33.8
2014	83	12.9	6.3	41
2015	85	13.0	6.5	38.8
2016	86	13.0	6.6	41.9
2017	83	13.1	6.2	42.2
2018	70	12.4	5.6	38.6
2019	77	12.1	6.3	49.4
2020	110	16.5	6.6	40
2021	110	18.5	5.9	41.8
2022	114	17.5	6.5	33.3
2023	102	12.8	7.9	35.3
2024	99	13.5	7.3	38.4

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 High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2001	120	12.6	9.5	29.2
2002	102	10.8	9.4	29.4
2003	102	10.8	9.4	29.4
2004	102	11.0	9.3	41.2
2005	120	11.3	10.6	44.2
2006	119	11.4	10.4	33.6
2007	115	12.6	9.1	37.4
2008	124	13.0	9.5	38.7
2009	104	13.0	8.0	31.7
2010	93	13.0	7.1	32.3
2011	90	12.8	7.0	38.9
2012	89	12.9	6.8	38.2
2013	77	13.2	5.8	33.8
2014	83	12.9	6.3	41
2015	85	13.0	6.5	38.8
2016	86	13.0	6.6	41.9
2017	83	13.1	6.2	42.2
2018	70	12.4	5.6	38.6
2019	77	12.1	6.3	49.4
2020	110	16.5	6.6	40
2021	110	18.5	5.9	41.8
2022	114	17.5	6.5	33.3
2023	102	12.8	7.9	35.3
2024	99	13.5	7.3	38.4

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 High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$523 (2.0%)	$24,805 (92.9%)	$26,712
2020	$226 (0.8%)	$24,575 (88.0%)	$27,931
2021	$894 (3.1%)	$24,736 (86.1%)	$28,729
2022	$648 (2.3%)	$24,671 (86.9%)	$28,375
2023	$528 (1.5%)	$28,667 (82.5%)	$34,727

Data source: Nebraska Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on High Plains Community Junior/Senior High 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 199^th of 217 High schools	Ranks 137^th of 202 High schools	23.9%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
11th Grade English Language Arts (High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School)	26.3	42.1	15.8%
11th Grade English Language Arts (High Plains Community Schools)	26.3	42.1	15.8%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Nebraska)	37.4	33.5	3.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School)	10.5	10.5	0%
11th Grade Mathematics (High Plains Community Schools)	10.5	10.5	0%
11th Grade Mathematics (Nebraska)	30.9	24.8	6%
11th Grade Science (High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School)	15.8	7.1	8.7%
11th Grade Science (High Plains Community Schools)	15.8	7.1	8.7%
11th Grade Science (Nebraska)	26.4	25.3	1.1%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	77	102	32.5%
African American	0	0
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	6	21	250%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	71	81	14.1%
Two or More Races	0	0
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	49.4%	35.3%	14.1%

Schools Near High Plains Community Junior/Senior High 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
High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School	Public	7-12	345 S Pine	Polk	68654	Polk County	High Plains Community Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(402) 765-3331	99	14	7.3	38.4%	83 (83.8%)	1 (1.0%)	15 (15.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	65.5	63^rd of 168 public high schools	62.5%					(n/a)	$34,727	$528	$28,667
Cross County High School	Public	9-12	1270 123rd Rd	Stromsburg	68666	Polk County	Cross County Community Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(402) 764-5521	126	14	9.0	31.7%	113 (89.7%)	3 (2.4%)	9 (7.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.8%)	65.6	62^nd of 168 public high schools	63.1%		61.7	82^nd of 215 public high schools	61.9%	20	$23,142	$323	$18,927
Central City High School	Public	9-12	1510 28th St	Central City	68826	Merrick County	Central City Public Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(308) 946-3086	237	22	10.5	38.4%	215 (90.7%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (5.9%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.3%)	1 (0.4%)	4 (1.7%)	87.5	12^th of 168 public high schools	92.9%		29.5	152^nd of 215 public high schools	29.3%	140	$24,487	$528	$19,242
Osceola High School	Public	9-12	565 S Kimmel	Osceola	68651	Polk County	Osceola Public Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(402) 747-3121	85	9	9.0	21.2%	79 (92.9%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (5.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (1.2%)	34.2	117^th of 168 public high schools	30.4%		75.1	45^th of 215 public high schools	79.1%	72	$42,499	$1,311	$33,429
Hampton High School	Public	7-12	458 5th St	Hampton	68843	Hamilton County	Hampton Public School	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(402) 725-3116	73	11	6.9	35.6%	71 (97.3%)	1 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (1.4%)								(n/a)	$27,005	$298	$21,568
York High School	Public	9-12	1005 Duke Dr	York	68467	York County	York Public Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(402) 362-6655	492	30	16.2	43.1%	385 (78.3%)	12 (2.4%)	83 (16.9%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (2.0%)	19.8	142^nd of 168 public high schools	15.5%		35	141^st of 215 public high schools	34.4%	1	$16,827	$664	$13,148
Aurora High School	Public	9-12	300 M St	Aurora	68818	Hamilton County	Aurora Public Schools	(n/a)	(n/a)	No	No	(402) 694-6923	372	35	10.5	36.3%	328 (88.2%)	6 (1.6%)	26 (7.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	11 (3.0%)	23	134^th of 168 public high schools	20.2%		42	123^rd of 215 public high schools	42.8%	11	$20,677	$321	$17,614

Frequently Asked Questions about High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School

What schools feed into High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School?

High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : High Plains Community Elementary School

How many students attend High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 99 students attended High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School.

Is High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School a good school?

High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School ranks 63^rd of 168 Nebraska high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What district is High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School in?

High Plains Community Schools

What is the racial makeup of High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School?

Students at High Plains Community Junior/Senior High School are 84% White, 15% Hispanic, 1% African American.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Nebraska Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.