All high schools in our district will provide access to a variety of opportunities for students beyond their chosen academy or pathway. Students can be challenged through advanced courses and explore their interests through electives. Block scheduling allows for more intensive lessons and engagement.

In both academies and pathways, students will have fun, engaging and hands-on learning opportunities. No matter which academy or pathway a student selects, they will have access to advanced academic courses through a variety of programs. All high schools will continue offering dual enrollment, AP courses and opportunities to earn a Seal of Biliteracy. Additional specialized diplomas will be available based on their high school.

• Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) will be available at:
  • Benson
  • Bryan
  • Buena Vista 
  • South
• AP Capstone will be available at:
  • Burke (program is currently available)
  • North
  • Westview
• Early College Program (Associates Degree MCC) will be available at Northwest.
• International Baccalaureate will continue to be available at Central.

Our District believes it is important for students to have a well-rounded education. All students will continue to have access to a variety of electives that include the performing and fine arts, world languages, JRTOC and other extra-curricular activities.

A Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) is an organization for individuals enrolled in a career and technical education program that engages in career and technical education activities as an integral part of the instructional program.  

Omaha Public Schools support the following CTSOs: 

• DECA 
• Educators Rising 
• FFA – Future Farmers of America  
• FBLA – Future Business Leaders of America 
• HOSA – Future Health Professionals 
• SkillsUSA 

Block scheduling allows students the opportunity to have more in-depth learning in a single class, versus being broken up into multiple classes. An example is being able to complete a science experiment in one class versus setting up, working through an experiment and cleaning up on multiple days. Students are able to engage deeper with the course work and collaborate with their teacher and classmates. There is also less transition time between classes which allows for more learning time. In addition, it creates consistency across the district. This is beneficial for our teachers as they collaborate and also for our students who may move from one school to the other. We currently have five of our seven high schools on a block schedule. South and Central High Schools will choose whether to continue with their current period scheduling or move to block scheduling for the 2021-22 school year.

Everything we do in Omaha Public Schools is for the benefit of our students. Research shows that students in Nebraska who complete three or more courses in a career and technical education sequence graduate at an average rate of 10% higher than those who do not participate. For Omaha Public Schools, the average rate is 11% higher. This is true regardless of a student’s race, ethnicity or gender. Staff will continue to monitor student data to ensure student success.