For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 2,440 students in Hastings, NE.
The top ranked public preschools in Hastings, NE are Adams Central Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School and Raymond A Watson Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hastings, NE public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Nebraska public pre school average of 60%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 50% statewide average). Pre schools in Hastings have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Nebraska public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public preschool average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Hastings, NE (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Adams Central Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
975 S Adams Central Ave
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-0040
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-0040
Gr: PK-6 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Hawthorne Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2200 W 9th St
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7540
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7540
Gr: PK-5 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Raymond A Watson Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1720 N Crane
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7593
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7593
Gr: PK-5 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
828 N Hastings Ave
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7584
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7584
Gr: PK-5 | 294 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #55.
Alcott Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
313 N Cedar
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7580
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7580
Gr: PK-5 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #66.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
720 S Franklin
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7589
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7589
Gr: PK-5 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: n/an/a
5807 Osborne Drive West
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-5611
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-5611
Gr: PK
Rank: n/an/a
1515 West 8th Street
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7545
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7545
Gr: PK | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Hastings, Nebraska 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
123 Marian Rd
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 462-4187
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 462-4187
Gr: PK | 13 students Minority enrollment: 8%
123 Marian Rd
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 462-4187
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 462-4187
Gr: PK | 13 students Minority enrollment: 8%
1970 E 12th St
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-6107
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-6107
Gr: PK-6 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Life Skills Program (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1117 E South St, Po Box 2047
Hastings, NE 68902
(402) 463-5611
Hastings, NE 68902
(402) 463-5611
Gr: PK-12
731 N Baltimore
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7545
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7545
Gr: PK-5 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
1300 East Lochland Rd
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-8326
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-8326
Gr: PK-6 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
2975 S Baltimore Ave
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-5090
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 463-5090
Gr: PK-6 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
4200 2nd St
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 460-3111
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 460-3111
Gr: 9-12 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Hastings, NE?
The top ranked public preschools in Hastings, NE include Adams Central Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School and Raymond A Watson Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Hastings?
8 public preschools are located in Hastings.
What is the racial composition of students in Hastings?
Hastings public preschools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Nebraska public preschools average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Hastings are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Hastings include: Raymond A Watson Elementary School vs. Hawthorne Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.