Education system and best schools in Nebraska: Nebraska education adheres to state standards. Multiple school districts with diverse offerings. High emphasis on agricultural education. Nebraska boasts several Blue Ribbon schools. Home to University of Nebraska system. Public, private, and charter school options. State offers school choice programs. Strong STEM-focused curricula available. Active sports and extracurricular programs. Notable schools: Omaha Central, Lincoln Southwest.
Nebraska education adheres to state standards.
Nebraska's education system adheres to state-approved content standards, which are revised every seven years and cover subjects like English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as non-mandatory standards for fine arts, physical education, and world languages. School districts must adopt these standards or equivalent ones within a year of their approval by the State Board of Education.
Multiple school districts with diverse offerings.
Nebraska's education system is characterized by the State Board of Education's Policy on Essential Education, which emphasizes equitable opportunities, proficient academic standards, and comprehensive support programs. Multiple school districts, such as Omaha Public Schools, Lincoln Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, and Elkhorn Public Schools, offer diverse educational services, with some districts like Elkhorn being recognized for their high performance in categories like college readiness and state assessment proficiency.
High emphasis on agricultural education.
Nebraska's agricultural education system emphasizes an integrated model of classroom instruction, leadership development through the FFA, and experiential learning through Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs, preparing students for careers in the agriculture, food, and natural resources sector. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a standout institution, offering 40 agriculture degree programs and graduating a large number of students in this field each year. For more information on how Nebraska is advancing in this sector, visit the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources website.
Nebraska boasts several Blue Ribbon schools.
Nebraska boasts several National Blue Ribbon Schools, including Elkhorn Grandview Middle School, Wilma Upchurch Elementary School, Southern Valley Elementary School, and West Point Elementary School. These schools have been recognized for their exceptional academic performance and efforts in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. For more information about these achievements, you can visit the National Blue Ribbon Schools announcement.
Home to University of Nebraska system.
The University of Nebraska System, founded in 1869, stands as the public university system of Nebraska, encompassing four university campuses, a two-year technical agriculture college, and an online high school. By offering a wide range of educational programs and online degrees, it ensures accessibility and variety in higher education. For more detailed information, visit the University of Nebraska System page.
Public, private, and charter school options.
Nebraska's education system provides options for public school choice with both inter-district and intra-district open enrollment, along with specialized magnet schools. However, the state does not offer charter schools or private school choice programs. For those interested in alternative education, homeschooling remains an available option, subject to adherence to specific state laws. More details on these programs can be found on the EdChoice website, which gives a comprehensive overview of school choice options in Nebraska.
State offers school choice programs.
Nebraska offers several school choice programs, including inter-district and intra-district open enrollment, magnet schools, and home schooling, but it does not have private school choice programs or charter schools. For more information on these options, you can visit the EdChoice website to explore comprehensive details and updates on the state’s educational opportunities and policies.
Strong STEM-focused curricula available.
Nebraska's STEM Approach, led by the Nebraska Department of Education, emphasizes an integrated and interdisciplinary philosophy, providing standards-based frameworks for hands-on, authentic learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across all grade levels and content areas. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is at the forefront of improving STEM education through Project RISE, focusing on integrated STEM training for elementary educators to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, and supporting teacher retention and recruitment in high-needs schools.
Active sports and extracurricular programs.
Nebraska's education system emphasizes active sports and extracurricular programs through comprehensive physical activity programs, including physical education, before and after school activities, and community engagement. The Nebraska Department of Education sets Content Area Standards that include physical education and fine arts, providing a framework for quality teaching and learning in these areas. Moreover, they support programs like GoNoodle and the Walk to Unlock Nebraska initiative to promote physical activity and educational engagement. The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) also plays a crucial role in regulating and promoting interscholastic sports and activities, fostering sportsmanship, teamwork, and high ideals of citizenship.
Notable schools: Omaha Central, Lincoln Southwest.
Omaha Central High School, established in 1859, is one of the oldest and most prestigious high schools in Nebraska. Known for its rich history and academic excellence, it has achieved numerous state championships in various sports. The school offers a rigorous curriculum, including IB, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment courses, and is recognized for its strong athletic programs and civic engagement. On the other hand, Lincoln Southwest High School, opened in 2002, has quickly become a highly regarded school in Lincoln, Nebraska. Notable for its dual enrollment programs, award-winning debate and speech teams, and multiple state championships in sports like swimming, golf, and softball, it also boasts a strong music program and a theatre department that has performed at the International Thespian Festival. For more detailed information, you may visit the Wikipedia page on Omaha Central High School.