Summary:
The 68602 zip code area of Columbus, Nebraska is home to 7 public schools serving students from elementary through high school, all part of the Columbus Public Schools district. While the schools share similar demographic and resource challenges, some standout differences emerge in their academic performance and other key metrics.
Columbus High School is the largest school with over 1,200 students, but its test scores lag behind the state average, with only about 37% of 11th graders proficient in English and 39% in Math. In contrast, Centennial Elementary stands out with the highest test scores among the elementary schools, with over 58% of 3rd graders and 45% of 4th graders proficient in English. The district's sole middle school also struggles, with only 32-51% of students meeting proficiency standards across grade levels.
A common challenge across the schools is alarmingly high chronic absenteeism rates of 21.1%, well above the state average. Additionally, the schools serve predominantly low-income populations, with 45-55% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Despite these obstacles, the schools spend between $12,691 and $16,290 per student, with student-teacher ratios ranging from 13 to 20 students per teacher. Addressing the systemic issues of academic underperformance, poverty, and attendance will be crucial for improving educational outcomes in this community.
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