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Ponca Elementary School

Summary:

Ponca Elementary School is a public elementary school serving grades 3-6 in Ponca, Nebraska, with 125 students. It is part of the Ponca Public Schools district, which is ranked 5 out of 182 districts in the state and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Ponca Elementary School has consistently been ranked in the top 25% of Nebraska elementary schools over the past decade, with a current ranking of 52 out of 428 schools.

Ponca Elementary School stands out for its strong academic performance, consistently outperforming the state average in proficiency rates for English Language Arts and Mathematics across all grade levels. For example, in 2023-2024, the school's 3rd-grade proficiency rates were 71.88% in ELA and 81.25% in Math, compared to the state averages of 58.91% and 60.65%, respectively. The school also performs well across different student subgroups, ranking in the top 25% of Nebraska elementary schools for both female and male students, as well as for white students. With a relatively high spending per student of $19,113 in the 2022-2023 school year and a low student-teacher ratio of 11.6, Ponca Elementary School's strong performance is likely supported by its investment in resources and programs.

When compared to the nearby schools, such as Dakota City Elementary and Harney Elementary, Ponca Elementary School stands out with its significantly higher academic achievement. For example, Ponca Elementary School's 3rd-grade ELA proficiency rate of 71.88% in 2023-2024 is much higher than the 38% and 50.75% rates at the nearby schools. This strong performance and unique characteristics make Ponca Elementary School a standout in the region and a potential model for other schools to learn from.


Detail:

Public 3-6

 505 3rd St
       Ponca, NE  68770-0568

(402) 755-5700

District: Ponca Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
52nd of 428 Nebraska Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $19,113 Help


Students who attend Ponca Elementary School usually attend:

High:    Ponca High School

Student/teacher ratio:  10.9 Help
Number of students:  118

Racial breakdown:

White:
92.4%
African American:
2.5%
Hispanic:
2.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  29.7% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Ponca Elementary School ranks better than 87.9% of elementary schools in Nebraska. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 82.94. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (92.4%), African American (2.5%), Hispanic (2.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 29.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ponca Elementary School is 10.9. (See more...)
Help
Compare Ponca Elementary School employs 10.7 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ponca Elementary School is $19,113.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Ponca Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Ponca Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Ponca Public Schools 5th of 182 Nebraska school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Ponca Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Ponca Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 59.16 191st 418 54.3%
2007 59.33 205th 430 52.3%
2008 48.76 334th 478 30.1%
2009 44.53 351st 471 25.5%
2010 43.11 357th 502 28.9%
2011 24.93 400th 473 15.4%
2012 25.00 402nd 480 16.3%
2013 46.69 287th 485 40.8%
2014 58.30 199th 483 58.8%
2015 68.25 135th 488 72.3%
2016 69.53 121st 480 74.8%
2017 79.11 75th 459 83.7%
2018 74.00 95th 450 78.9%
2019 75.86 89th 452 80.3%
2021 74.85 89th 442 79.9%
2022 83.66 54th 457 88.2%
2023 74.89 100th 459 78.2%
2024 82.94 52nd 428 87.9%
See the entire list of Nebraska Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Ponca Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 71.91 78th 341 77.1%
2019 43.93 207th 349 40.7%
2021 63.44 103rd 318 67.6%
2022 72.38 76th 337 77.4%
2023 68.04 106th 349 69.6%
See the entire list of Best Nebraska Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Ponca Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 62.96 114th 347 67.1%
2019 73.81 72nd 367 80.4%
2021 66.06 91st 328 72.3%
2022 68.60 95th 356 73.3%
2023 72.18 91st 366 75.1%
See the entire list of Best Nebraska Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Ponca Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NE State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 69.08 95th 391 75.7%
2019 67.05 107th 391 72.6%
2021 62.87 109th 368 70.4%
2022 77.54 58th 388 85.1%
2023 64.49 122nd 385 68.3%
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.

Ponca Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Nebraska Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Ponca Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 192 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 192
1989 188 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 188
1990 201 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 201
1991 204 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 204
1992 212 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 212
1993 212 0 0 0 2 n/a n/a 0 214
1994 218 0 0 0 1 n/a n/a 0 219
1995 222 0 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 223
1996 222 0 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 223
1997 226 0 0 2 0 n/a n/a 0 228
1998 223 0 0 5 0 n/a n/a 0 228
1999 211 0 0 2 0 n/a n/a 2 215
2000 198 0 0 2 0 n/a n/a 0 200
2001 220 1 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 221
2002 213 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 213
2003 213 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 213
2004 198 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 198
2005 200 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 200
2006 198 1 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 199
2007 182 3 0 5 2 n/a n/a 0 192
2008 174 6 0 11 4 n/a n/a 0 195
2009 121 3 0 11 0 n/a n/a 0 135
2010 118 1 0 6 0 n/a n/a 0 125
2011 127 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 131
2012 127 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 129
2013 138 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 140
2014 127 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 130
2015 122 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 128
2016 122 2 0 4 1 0 1 0 130
2017 111 2 0 6 1 0 3 0 123
2018 119 6 0 8 1 0 3 0 137
2019 119 5 0 5 1 0 3 0 133
2020 122 5 0 3 0 0 2 0 132
2021 127 4 0 2 1 0 1 0 135
2022 119 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 124
2023 118 2 0 2 1 0 2 0 125
2024 109 3 0 3 1 0 2 0 118

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 Ponca Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 192 8.5 22.5 17.7
1989 188 10.2 18.4 16
1990 201 11.1 18.1 15.4
1991 204 11.6 17.5 14.2
1992 212 13.1 16.1 11.3
1993 214 12.5 17.1 12.6
1994 219 12.9 17.0 9.6
1995 223 13.2 16.9 12.1
1996 223 13.2 16.9 12.1
1997 228 13.6 16.8 14
1998 228 13.6 16.8 14
1999 215 13.8 15.6 16
2000 200 14.3 14.0 16
2001 221 15.1 14.6 18.6
2002 213 15.2 14.0 17.4
2003 213 15.2 14.0 17.4
2004 198 14.3 13.8 22.7
2005 200 14.2 14.1 24.5
2006 199 14.7 13.5 19.6
2007 192 15.2 12.6 18.8
2008 195 14.7 13.3 26.2
2009 135 11.4 11.8 28.9
2010 125 10.9 11.4 25.6
2011 131 11.7 11.1 25.2
2012 129 11.7 11.0 24.8
2013 140 10.7 13.0 25
2014 130 10.9 11.8 31.5
2015 128 11.0 11.6 33.6
2016 130 12.0 10.8 24.6
2017 123 12.0 10.2 26.8
2018 137 11.5 11.8 22.6
2019 133 11.6 11.3 28.6
2020 132 11.1 11.8 18.9
2021 135 11.0 12.2 19.3
2022 124 10.6 11.5 13.7
2023 125 10.7 11.6 28.8
2024 118 10.7 10.9 29.7

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 Ponca Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 192 8.5 22.5 17.7
1989 188 10.2 18.4 16
1990 201 11.1 18.1 15.4
1991 204 11.6 17.5 14.2
1992 212 13.1 16.1 11.3
1993 214 12.5 17.1 12.6
1994 219 12.9 17.0 9.6
1995 223 13.2 16.9 12.1
1996 223 13.2 16.9 12.1
1997 228 13.6 16.8 14
1998 228 13.6 16.8 14
1999 215 13.8 15.6 16
2000 200 14.3 14.0 16
2001 221 15.1 14.6 18.6
2002 213 15.2 14.0 17.4
2003 213 15.2 14.0 17.4
2004 198 14.3 13.8 22.7
2005 200 14.2 14.1 24.5
2006 199 14.7 13.5 19.6
2007 192 15.2 12.6 18.8
2008 195 14.7 13.3 26.2
2009 135 11.4 11.8 28.9
2010 125 10.9 11.4 25.6
2011 131 11.7 11.1 25.2
2012 129 11.7 11.0 24.8
2013 140 10.7 13.0 25
2014 130 10.9 11.8 31.5
2015 128 11.0 11.6 33.6
2016 130 12.0 10.8 24.6
2017 123 12.0 10.2 26.8
2018 137 11.5 11.8 22.6
2019 133 11.6 11.3 28.6
2020 132 11.1 11.8 18.9
2021 135 11.0 12.2 19.3
2022 124 10.6 11.5 13.7
2023 125 10.7 11.6 28.8
2024 118 10.7 10.9 29.7

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 Ponca Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $568 (3.7%) $13,118 (86.5%) $15,159
2020 $292 (1.9%) $13,269 (88.2%) $15,051
2021 $594 (3.8%) $13,774 (87.0%) $15,836
2022 $621 (3.6%) $15,086 (87.3%) $17,288
2023 $307 (1.6%) $15,880 (83.1%) $19,113

Data source: Nebraska Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Ponca 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 89th of 452 Elementary schoolsRanks 100th of 459 Elementary schools
 2.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Ponca Elementary School)6469
 5%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Ponca Public Schools)6469
 5%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Nebraska)5663
 7%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Ponca Elementary School)7665
 11%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Ponca Public Schools)7665
 11%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Nebraska)5558
 3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Ponca Elementary School)6752
 15%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Ponca Public Schools)6752
 15%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Nebraska)5855
 3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Ponca Elementary School)5771
 14%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Ponca Public Schools)5771
 14%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Nebraska)5146
 5%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Ponca Elementary School)5479
 25%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Ponca Public Schools)5479
 25%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Nebraska)4856
 8%
5th Grade Mathematics (Ponca Elementary School)7089
 19%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Ponca Public Schools)7089
 19%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Nebraska)5465
 11%
5th Grade Science (Ponca Elementary School)8493
 9%
   5th Grade Science (Ponca Public Schools)8493
 9%
   5th Grade Science (Nebraska)6876
 8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Ponca Elementary School)8066
 14%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Ponca Public Schools)8066
 14%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Nebraska)4955
 6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students133125
 6%
African American52
 60%
American Indian11
Asian00
Hispanic52
 60%
Pacific Islander00
White119118
 0.8%
Two or More Races32
 33.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients28.6%28.8%
 0.2%

Schools Near Ponca Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Ponca Elementary School

Students at Ponca Elementary School are 92% White, 3% African American, 3% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races.

Ponca Elementary School ranks 52nd of 428 Nebraska elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Ponca Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Ponca High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 118 students attended Ponca Elementary School.


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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.




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