Dear Students,

As we enter the 2025-2026 school year, we are excited by the changes a new school year always brings. We serve a large and diverse student body and strive to meet their needs and interests in many ways. We have an internationally recognized dual language program, the only one of its kind. Additionally, we lead the state in AP Spanish Language scores and our graduation rate has been on the rise since 2006. South High has more Susan T. Buffett scholarship recipients than any other school. We also have added Pathways to increase the students’ opportunities in a variety of areas. 

Your future will likely involve one the three E’s: enrollment in a college, university, or trade school; employment with a business, company, or organization; or enlistment in a branch of the armed services. Regardless of the path you take, we have course offerings to head you in the right direction.

We currently offer the following Pathways:

Media Arts Pathway includes Audio Video Production, Digital Design, Film Studies, Journalism, Music Technology, & Web Design

Performing and Fine Arts Pathway includes Dance and Movement, Fashion and Costume Design, Instrumental Music, Teaching as a Profession, Theatre Studies, Vocal Music, 2D/3D Art

Technology & Data Pathway includes Computer Science & Robotics

Cambridge Advanced International certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma

Seal of Biliteracy

Global H3* Electives (*High Skill, High Wage, High Demand)

Whether you want robotics, dance, film studies, or journalism classes, we have options available to provide more opportunities for our students. It’s an exciting time to be part of South High! As you look through this catalog, I ask you to please take a moment to explore the many available offerings. Select courses to challenge you, steer you in a new direction, broaden your horizons, and ignite your passion. Make the most of your high school years! South is an amazing place to learn, grow, and succeed!

Sincerely,

Jodi Pesek

Principal

South High

Performing & Fine Arts, Media Arts, Technology & Data Pathway School Dual Language Program School

4519 South 24th Street, Omaha, NE 68107

531-299-2780

Mission Statement

The mission of South High is to prepare all students to reach their highest academic potential, develop skills in technology, demonstrate creative expression, and practice respect for others. South High School will: Increase the number of South High students on track for graduation; Increase the number of South High students that are connected to the school community; Increase transparency and communication with community stakeholders; Incorporate and increase the use of best instructional practices in every classroom

Our School

South High, established in 1898, is a pathway school serving grades 9-12. South High is a cornerstone in the South Omaha community, serving a diverse and dynamic student population. South is located at 4519 S 24th Street. Our mascot, the “Packer Bull,” honors the rich history of the waves of immigrants that built South Omaha and worked in the historic Omaha Stockyards and meatpacking plants. Students at South High may choose from the following pathways: an award-winning Performing and Fine Arts Pathway, a Technology and Data Pathway, or a Media Arts Pathway. Each pathway allows students to explore their area of interest, connect with local organizations and businesses, and acquire the necessary skills to be successful in post-secondary education or in their chosen careers. In addition, one of the many strengths at South High is the Dual Language program, which is integrated into all pathways. South High has the only high school Dual Language program in the metropolitan area.

Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, South High has Freshman Academies that are designed to welcome freshmen to the high school experience and prepare them for their high school careers. In addition to studying the core curriculum, freshmen are placed in small learning groups that build vital skills necessary for high school and post-secondary opportunities.

We are honored to serve the South Omaha community and proud of the myriad accomplishments of our students. GO PACK!

Non-Discrimination Clause

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to accept allegations regarding non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (402-557-2001). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-0307).

Las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacionalidad, religión, sexo (incluyendo el embarazo), estado civil, orientación sexual, discapacidad, edad, información genética, identidad de género, expresión de género, estatus de ciudadanía, condición de veterano, afiliación política o condición económica en sus programas, actividades y empleo y se proporciona un acceso equitativo a los niños exploradores (boy Scouts) y otros grupos juveniles. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para aceptar las alegaciones en relación con las políticas de no discriminación: el Superintendente de Escuelas, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (402-557-2001). Las siguientes personas han sido designadas para manejar las preguntas con respecto a las políticas de no discriminación: Director de la Oficina de Equidad y Diversidad, 3215 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-0307).

Graduation and College Entrance Requirements

Portrait of a Graduate 

All Courses Listed by Departments/Pathway & Course Planner

The mission of South High counseling program is to promote college, career, and life readiness for all students. At South High, students are assigned by last name to a counselor who will assist them with course selections that are in line with their academic ability and career interests. Counselors also work with all students in their areas of specialization: social/emotional, college, career, or academic issues. Student success is the ultimate goal of the Counseling Program.

For further information, contact the Counseling Director at 531-299-2789.

Students register in the spring for the following year. A student will have two opportunities to select courses: 

1. Students select and finalize courses during spring course selection
2. Following spring registration, students can adjust courses based on conflicts in their schedules

  Course changes after the spring are only allowed under the following circumstances:

1. If a course was completed during summer school
2. If a course that was failed during the previous school year
3. If there is a schedule conflict that cannot be adjusted without dropping or changing a course
4. If a student needs to meet graduation requirements

Early registration and class schedule pick-up is available in late July or early August. Families will be contacted by US mail with the dates and times for early registration. Forms and information will be included in this packet for families to complete and return.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

All new freshmen students to South High will participate in an all-day orientation program the first day of school. Freshmen will follow their schedules, complete school forms, consider their high school plans, learn about school activities, and participate in school spirit activities.

An orientation program for new students entering grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 will also be held before the school year begins.

Dropping a course after the first 15 days of the semester will result in a grade of “F” which is included in grade point average calculations.  Requests to drop a course will be initiated to the school counselor by the student or parent/guardian. 

Procedures for withdrawing from a course: 

1. Conversation with the teacher 
2. Counselor conferencing with teacher and student 
3. Problem solving with all effected parties. 

*The first step is to navigate through the schedule change.  If it is determined that other faculty need to be included, please use the “Schedule Change/Request to Drop a Course” form.  Please see School Counseling for a copy of the OPS Schedule Change/Request to Drop a Course form. Use the “Schedule Change/Request to Drop a Course” form as a last resort. 

All Secondary Omaha Public Schools offer procedures for appealing course placement (i.e. AP, Honors, IB, etc.).  Each building may have specific forms and deadlines; however, the following general procedures shall apply:

Level One: Counselor, Curriculum Specialist, Assistant Principal/Data, or Principal                                                           

A student or parent with a course placement appeal may first discuss the matter with the counselor, or building administrator involved, with the object of resolving the matter informally.                                                                                    

Level Two: Chief Academic Office (Department of Curriculum and Instruction Support)

Suppose the course placement appeal is not resolved at Level One, and the individual still wishes to pursue the appeal. In that case, he/she may formalize the request in writing addressed to the Chief Academic Officer of Curriculum Instruction and Support at 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131.                                                                                                                                                             

Level Three: Superintendent 

Suppose the appeal is not resolved at Level Two and the individual still wishes to pursue the appeal. In that case, he/she may formalize the request to the superintendent of schools after receiving a written response from the Chief Academic Officer of Curriculum Instruction and Support.  

These steps shall be taken promptly to accommodate the registration of courses for the school year in question.

Seniors and Juniors are eligible for late start or an early release by having all of the following:

1. Be on track for graduation 

2. A mode of transportation (does not ride Omaha Public Schools bus) 

3. Good attendance (less than 10 days a semester) 

4. Seniors must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 classes (4 credits), Juniors can request one period of early release or late start.

5. A form signed by the parent/guardian allowing class release and a phone call to verify the signature and discuss the rules.

Students are expected to leave the building once their classes are done and must have permission to remain in the building if they do not have a class. Class release will be removed from a student’s schedule if rules are violated. This includes but is not limited to: failing classes, not having a ride to or from school, missing more than 10 days, more than 10 tardies to first class of the day, violating school rules.

Students may obtain the release forms in the counseling office and need to be returned to their counselor.

The purpose of Credit Recovery is to provide opportunities for students to earn credits to meet graduation requirements for courses they have failed. Credit Recovery involves the student retaking the failed course(s) and focusing on the course content standards to demonstrate proficiency on district assessments. The focus is on the proficiency related to course content standards, not seat time.

• Credit Recovery may be delivered in various methods and during a variety of times (e.g., Summer School, Edmentum time after school).
• Credit Recovery may be delivered in a traditional classroom or through a blended learning experience (in class with an endorsed teacher using online learning modules).
• Teachers who provide credit recovery through online/virtual or blended learning must be certified educators endorsed for the course they are teaching.
• Although students may complete online courses before the end of the term, final grades will need to be posted during the standard grading windows.
• The student should follow the appropriate course sequencing.
• Students should not be enrolled in consecutive courses simultaneously (English 1 & English 2).
• Any exception to the three‐course limit must be identified in an individual learning plan, in an alternative program, and approved by the Chief Academic Officer for Curriculum Instruction and Support.
• Students should be enrolled in no more than three online courses at a time.
• Timely teacher content and feedback is essential for student learning.
• Review the Edmentum Credit Accrual and Recovery Practices Handbook for specific guidelines for online practices.

Credit Recovery at South High is only offered as a self-paced class using online learning modules. Classes are offered after school only, and attendance is required. Students will not be allowed to have an early release if they are taking credit recovery.

Grading Brochure

Grades are awarded in all classes following the grading scale below:

A      3.26 – 4.00                                              

B      2.51 – 3.25                                        

C      1.76 – 2.50

D      1.01 – 1.75                       

F       0.00 – 1.00 

Weighted Courses (Honors/AP Classes)         

A is 5 points

B is 4 points

C is 3 points

D is 2 points

F is 0 points

Unweighted Courses

A is 4 points

B is 3 points

C is 2 points

D is 1 points

F is 0 points

Top 5%: 10^th to 12^th graders in the top 5% of their class will be recognized at the end of the year. First year recipients will receive an academic letter, second year recipients will receive an academic pin and third year recipients will receive a certificate.

National Honor Society: 10^th and 11^th graders with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher at the end of first semester will be invited to go through the selection process for National Honors Society. Selection will be held by a faculty committee.

Clubs, Activities, and Organizations

ACT Website:  www.actstudent.org  

Accuplacer Website: accuplacer.collegeboard.org  

SAT Website: collegereadiness.collegeboard.org