Childcare
& K-12 Education

We’re building a Nebraska where every child gets a strong start — because early education and childcare shouldn’t be a luxury, and working parents deserve support they can trust.

Find hundreds of options for childcare in Nebraska with nurturing, high-quality environments that help little ones grow. Since 2014, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Step Up to Quality program has helped families identify early childhood programs that go above and beyond in meeting developmental needs.

Local efforts are making a big impact, too. Lincoln Littles, launched by the Lincoln Community Foundation in 2019, provides financial assistance so more children can access early learning, regardless of income. In central Nebraska, the Stick Creek Kids Child Development Center brings play-based learning to life, helping young learners build cognitive and social-emotional skills in a joyful, engaging space. And in Southwest Nebraska, the Impact Center of Gothenburg recently opened an Early Learning Center that provides high-quality, affordable care and instruction for children up to 12 years old.

Nebraska schools offer a wide range of K-12 education options, including high-performing public, private, and parochial schools. Families across the state can access schools that focus on academic excellence, extracurricular engagement, and college and career preparedness.

• Close to 1,100 public schools and 245 public school districts serve communities of all sizes throughout Nebraska. Elkhorn public schools and Millard public schools in the Omaha metro area receive high ratings for academics, activities, and college readiness. Public schools in smaller communities such as Johnson, Pender and Chadron also consistently deliver strong results in southeast, northeast, and northwest Nebraska, respectively.
• Private education is also well represented in The Good Life, with nearly 230 private schools statewide. This includes college preparatory academies, religious institutions and Montessori programs. Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School in Omaha has been ranked the best private K-12 school in Nebraska by Niche for more than four consecutive years, with its high school division receiving the same distinction.

Nebraska’s overall high school graduation rate of around 90% reflects the robust educational foundation available to students throughout the state. With a wide range of schools dedicated to academic growth, personal development, and real-world readiness, families can feel confident their children are gaining the skills and support they need for a bright future.