Summary
Chase County Elementary School in Imperial, NE, is a small, high-performing public school serving 221 students in grades PK through 4, part of the Chase County Schools district. This school has undergone a remarkable transformation, rising from a solid mid-tier performer to one of Nebraska's top elementary schools, now earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the 93rd percentile statewide. With a low student-teacher ratio of 9.9:1 and per-pupil spending of $18,754, it offers a resource-rich, intimate learning environment that has shown sustained improvement over the past five years.
Academically, Chase County Elementary stands out dramatically from nearby schools like Wauneta-Palisade Elementary School, located just 15 miles away. In the 2024-2025 school year, 78.57% of Chase County students were proficient in English Language Arts and 84.52% in Mathematics—roughly 26 percentage points above the state average in both subjects. In contrast, Wauneta-Palisade's math proficiency was only 63.89%, over 20 points lower. Chase County also excels at serving all students equitably, with low socio-economic status students ranking in the 95th percentile and special education students in the 81st percentile, showing the school effectively closes achievement gaps. Chronic absenteeism is exceptionally low at 9.5%, compared to the state average of 19.3% and Wauneta-Palisade's 28.4% rate, reflecting a strong culture of attendance.
What makes Chase County Elementary particularly impressive is its efficiency: it spends $18,754 per student, significantly less than Wauneta-Palisade's $28,036, yet achieves far superior results. This suggests resources are used effectively to drive academic success. The school's upward trajectory—from the 52nd percentile in 2019 to the 93rd in 2025—is no fluke but a sustained, multi-year improvement. A single data point from 2023 shows 91% proficiency in science for 5th graders, hinting that excellence extends beyond core subjects. For parents, this school offers a healthy, inclusive environment where every child can thrive, backed by top-tier outcomes and a commitment to equity.
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