Students in Omaha Public Schools Get a Head Start on Their College Credits

Sophia Bouman is starting her senior year at Burke High in a few weeks, and she’s already gotten a jump start on her college degree. She’s one of many students in our district who are taking advantage of dual enrollment programs.

“It gives you a chance to see what college is like,” Bouman said. “You learn prioritization, time management and life skills, and you have the chance to have those courses count toward actual college credits.”

Free dual enrollment courses are offered at all our secondary schools, thanks to partnerships with local universities, giving students access to advanced academic programs.

“Students earn high school and college credits through the same class, during the school year,” said Jane Luethge, Omaha Public Schools’ teaching and learning advisor for postsecondary partnerships. “We have staff specifically focused on connecting students, families and staff to these opportunities.”

In addition to her core subjects in high school, Bouman has taken advanced courses every semester since her sophomore year. These include world history, human geography, and calculus.
“These classes go deeper into the material and it’s a great way to absorb more information,” Bouman said. “I love learning and for me it’s more fun because I can learn more about what I want to learn.”

Omaha Public Schools leads Nebraska in dual enrollment participation, with thousands of students earning more than 22,000 credits in the 2023-24 school year. Nearly 10,000 more credits than in the 2022-23 school year.

Our district offers several advanced academic options, including the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge International programs. At Northwest High, students have access to the Early College Program, a partnership with Metropolitan Community College.

“Students can finish high school with college credits before they go to college,” Luethge said. “For students to say, ‘I completed a college course as a junior in high school,’ is very meaningful to students and families.”

Omaha Public Schools is hosting a two-day session this month for students and families who are interested in exploring more advanced academic options. The event will be held July 23-25 ​​at the University of Nebraska Omaha Milo Bail Student Center. Visit our website for more information on sessions and topics.

July 2024

Read more District News