The top reported proficiency rate is 0% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Burwell Jr-sr High School
Burwell Jr-Sr High School is a regular public school serving grades seven through twelve, located in the small agricultural community of Burwell, Nebraska. It is the only secondary school in the Burwell Public Schools district and the only high school option in Garfield County. The school enrolls a small student body, with the vast majority of students identifying as white and a very small number of Black students. About two-fifths of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a moderate level of economic need among families. Data on students with disabilities or English learner status was not reported.
The community of Burwell is the county seat of Garfield County and sits at the meeting point of the Nebraska Sandhills cattle country and fertile farmland. The town’s economic base is heavily agricultural, anchored by the Burwell Livestock Market, one of the larger cattle auctions in the Sandhills. Many residents work in farm and ranch jobs or in businesses that support the agricultural economy, including veterinary clinics, feed suppliers, and trucking. The town also has a range of local services such as a grocery store, hardware store, pharmacy, medical clinics, and banks. Burwell is best known for Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, an annual professional rodeo held each July that draws a large crowd. The population has declined over recent decades, though the town continues to promote economic development. Housing values in the area are moderately priced compared to national averages, and the housing market has seen some appreciation.
Academically, state assessment results for the most recent year show low proficiency rates in math, English language arts, and science for the tested grades of seven and eight. A multi-year trend series for English language arts includes a previous higher reported rate, but the most recent point is also low; the trend for math and science consistently shows very low proficiency. No state testing data is available for high school grades, which often reflects the use of alternative assessments such as the ACT in Nebraska, but the data provided does not specify that. No graduation rate was reported for the school. Information on course offerings, including Advanced Placement, dual credit, or career and technical education programs, was not available. A parent interested in the academic pathways available for high school students would need to contact the school directly for details.
The school environment is typical of a small rural district. The student body is small, which can allow for close relationships between students and staff, but also means limited course options and fewer extracurricular opportunities compared to larger schools. No data was reported on discipline, attendance, chronic absenteeism, or staffing ratios, leaving gaps in understanding the school climate.
The comparison set for this school is other districts in Garfield County, but since Burwell Public Schools is the only district in the county, no meaningful comparative context is available from that data. The district has no recent major changes or initiatives publicly reported that would be of lasting relevance to parents.
For a family considering Burwell, the school offers a combined junior-senior high experience in a tight-knit agricultural community with a modest cost of living. The most notable academic concern is the low state test performance in the middle grades, and the lack of published data on high school outcomes and programming means families should seek information directly from the school. The town’s economy and identity are deeply tied to ranching and agriculture, and the community is small but self-contained with basic services and outdoor recreation nearby. This setting fits families who value a rural lifestyle and are comfortable with a small school where the academic record is a matter for further inquiry.
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