High School Gifted and Talented Education

  • As students enter high school, they can enhance not only their academic skills but all capitalize on their strengths by participating in interest opportunities. We strive to encourage students to develop as independent learners and make decisions based on their readiness, interest and goals. 


    In high school, Gifted and Talented students can pick from a variety of classes to determine what best meets their needs. All Omaha Public Schools high schools offer honors, advanced placement and special interest courses. Omaha Public Schools offers more advanced placement courses than any other district in the state! 


    Honors classes 
    provide opportunities for students to take more challenging courses. Students who take honors courses strive for more in-depth coursework and know the expectation is higher. The courses are designed for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of interest and achievement.


    Advanced Placement (AP) 
    classes are approved by the College Board. College-level courses are taught using college methods, textbooks, expectations, assignments and tests. It is expected that students will take the AP exam at the conclusion of the course.


    Special Interest classes 
    are available for students to explore individual interests. Every high school offers a unique variety of special interest classes. These courses can be selected as electives.


    Outside of the classroom, students can participate in a variety of organizations and clubs that enhance their skills. 

Advanced Placement Scholars

  • At the end of each Advanced Placement course, students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam. Their score determines if they receive college credit for the course. Students may also receive additional recognition as part of the Advanced Placement Scholars. The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through advanced placement courses and exams. There is no monetary award, but the recognition is sent to the student's future college in the fall. 

     

    AP Scholar Awards
    There are two steps to calculating the awards: First, the student's average Advanced Placement grade is determined based on all exams taken this year and in previous years. Second, the student's exam grades are checked to see which ones count toward the various awards (e.g., an exam with a grade of 3 does not count toward a National AP Scholar Award). A student must meet all criteria to be eligible; e.g., a student who has a 3.25 AP grade average but only received a 3 or higher on three exams will not receive the AP Scholar with Honor Award because the minimum requirement is four or more exams.

    • AP Scholar Granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
    • AP Scholar with Honor Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
    • AP Scholar with Distinction Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. 
    • AP State Scholar Granted to the one male and one female student in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with grades of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP exams and then the highest average grade (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken.
    • National AP Scholar Granted to students in the United States who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Advanced Placement FAQ

  • How much does it cost to take an AP Exam?

  • Should I send in a deposit even if I’m not sure?

  • What if I am not sure if I am prepared to take the exam?

  • What if I need special accommodations for the AP Exam?

  • What is an AP Scholar?

  • What is the timeline for registering and taking an AP exam?

  • What Universities accept AP Credit?

  • When and where are the AP Exams?

  • Will my future university accept my AP credit?