Hershey, NE — Hershey Public Schools is proud to announce that the Nebraska Department of Education has awarded the district an overall AQuESTT Rating of “Excellent”, the highest designation possible in the state’s accountability system.
AQuESTT—Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow—evaluates schools based on state assessment performance, academic growth, student success, and multiple measures of school quality. These ratings reflect results from the 2024–2025 NSCAS assessments for grades 3–8 and the ACT for 11th graders.
An “Excellent” rating means that 72% of Hershey students in grades 3–6 and 11 demonstrated proficiency in reading and math on the 2024–25 state assessments.
Building-Level Ratings
Hershey Public Schools received outstanding marks across all grade levels:
Hershey Elementary — Excellent
Hershey Junior High — Great
Hershey High School — Excellent
Elementary School Performance
Hershey Elementary students in grades 3–6 achieved an impressive 75% proficiency rate in reading and math on the 2024–25 state assessments. This level of performance demonstrates strong foundational instruction and consistent, high-quality learning experiences in early and upper elementary grades.
“The success we are experiencing at Hershey Elementary is truly a team effort. It starts with a Board of Education that listens and provides the resources we need to help students succeed. It continues with teachers who shoulder the tremendous daily lifting—planning, preparing, and delivering high-quality instruction with heart and purpose. Our students respond with hard work and pride in their growth, and our parents strengthen this effort by partnering with us every step of the way. Together, this school community is what makes Hershey shine,” said Elementary Principal Jared Thomsen.
Junior High Performance Highlights
Hershey Junior High, evaluated as the district’s middle school for accountability purposes, demonstrated significant improvement this year and earned a “Great” rating. The state report highlighted strong student achievement, noting that 68% of junior high students demonstrated proficiency in English Language Arts and Math. This upward trend reflects focused instructional efforts, targeted interventions, and a culture that supports student growth.
“This improvement is a testament to the dedication of our junior high teachers and students,” said Hershey 7–12 Principal Jordan Cudney. “We are encouraged by their progress and excited to continue building on this momentum.”
High School Achievement
Hershey High School also demonstrated exceptional performance. Sixty-six percent of Hershey’s 11th graders scored proficient on the nationally normed ACT exam, a rate well above both the state and national averages. This strong performance highlights rigorous instruction, student commitment, and a supportive school culture.
“These results highlight the outstanding work our students and staff put in each day,” added Principal Jordan Cudney. “Earning an ‘Excellent’ rating is a reflection of both academic achievement and the strong culture of support in our school community.”
Commitment to Excellence
Hershey Public Schools extends sincere appreciation to students, staff, families, and community members whose ongoing support contributes to the district’s success. While celebrating these achievements, the district remains committed to its mission:
Empowering all students to reach their full potential — Learn. Grow. Thrive.
“We are very proud of our teachers and our students,” said Superintendent Jane Davis. “These results reflect hard work, high expectations, and a shared belief in what our students can accomplish. We will continue building on this success to ensure every learner receives a high-quality education in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.”