Sutherland Public Schools is celebrating a landmark year. For the first time in district history, SPS has earned an overall AQuESTT classification of EXCELLENT — the highest rating awarded by the Nebraska Department of Education.
A Level 4: Excellent classification signifies that more than 72% of students in grades 3–8 and 11 are proficient or above on NSCAS and ACT assessments. This designation places Sutherland Public Schools among the top 33% of districts statewide.
Elementary — EXCELLENT (Level 4)
Improved from Great → Excellent
Sutherland Elementary earned an EXCELLENT rating with 81% of students performing proficient or above, showcasing strong foundational learning and continued upward trends in literacy, numeracy, and content understanding.
Middle School — EXCELLENT (Level 4)
Sutherland Middle School demonstrated outstanding academic achievement with 90% overall proficiency.
Even more remarkable:
92% Math Proficiency
100% Science Proficiency
These results are exceptionally rare and place Sutherland’s middle-level learners among the highest-performing in the state of Nebraska. The Middle School’s performance is not only impressive — it solidifies Sutherland as a top-tier academic competitor across core content areas.
High School — First-Ever GREAT Rating (Level 3)
Sutherland High School earned its first-ever GREAT rating, marking a transformative year of growth.
56% overall proficiency based on ACT indicators
Outperformed the state average in scale score and proficiency (45%) in all tested subjects
Demonstrated upwards of 46% growth from the 2023–2024 school year
This upward trajectory reflects strengthened instruction, student commitment, and a unified culture of academic expectation.
A District Where Excellence is the Standard
From early skill development to ACT readiness, Sutherland students continue to rise. These ratings reflect meaningful progress and the collective effort of:
Educators who deliver intentional, high-quality instruction
Students who show up, work hard, and aim high
Families and community members who support learning beyond the school walls
This recognition marks a defining moment for SPS — one earned through growth, determination, and unity of purpose.
With an EXCELLENT district rating, the momentum is undeniable!