A team approach that develops a sense of community, demonstrates a strong commitment to student achievement and creates future leaders for Benson and beyond. The Freshman Academy fosters exploration for post-secondary pursuits by focusing on skills such as technology, career exploration, self-reflection and accountability.

Required Academy Class:

• Freshman Seminar

Required Core Classes:

• English 1-2 (H)
• U.S. History 1-2 (H) (AP)
• Physical Science 1-2 (H) or H. Medical Biology
• Math

Suggested Elective Classes:

• Band
• Orchestra
• Chorus
• Drama 1-2
• French (H)
• Spanish (H)
• Spanish for Spanish Speakers
• PE 1-2
• Journalism 1-2 (H)
• Digital Journalism 1
• Photo Journalism 1
• Art 1-2
• Pottery 1-2
• Tech Exploration
• JROTC/LET 1

Early Academy Classes:
Students may enroll in the first academy class of a pathway beginning their freshman year with parent and counselor approval.

• Culinary 1-2
• Computer Graphic Design 1-2
• Foundations of Healthcare 1-2
• Honors High School of Business
• Intro to Construction 1-2

Suggested Involvement:

• Plays
• Musicals
• Student-Led Clubs & Activities
• Partnership4Kids
• Upward Bound
• Thrive
• MTJava
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Bowling
• Cheerleading
• Cross Country
• Dance Team
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Experiences Beyond the Classroom:

• Career Fair
• Field Trips with Industry Partners
• Guest Speakers
• Respect Retreat

Honors and Advanced Placement Opportunities:

• Honors Geometry 1-2
• Honors Algebra 1-2
• Honors Medical Biology
• Honors Physical Science
• Honors Journalism
• Honors U.S. History
• AP U.S. History
• Honors and AP Music Theory
• Honors Spanish
• Honors French

2022-23 Academy Advisory Board Industry Partners:

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Youth Frontiers
• Urban League
• Gallup
• Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
• Metropolitan Community College
• National Career Academy Coalition