2023 Best College Prep Public High Schools in the Omaha Area

• Millard Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  458 reviews

Senior: I love how diverse Millard North is. You are introduced to people of diverse backgrounds, thoughts, and experiences. Also, there are many ways to get involved and make an impact at our school. You can join many different clubs and activities to explore your passions. You can also customize your academic experience at Millard North. There are college level, honors, or standard courses here. You can academically challenge yourself or take the classes best suited to your needs. Overall, Millard North has great resources and experiences to prepare you for your future!... Read 458 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1380

• Average ACT 28

• Elkhorn Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  127 reviews

Senior: I love Elkhorn South because it has great facilities for athletes such as myself, along with teachers that are great with working with students who are also athletes. Our counselors prepare us VERY well for college in terms of classes we take, the difficulty of classes, the resources for college help, and so much more. I love the people, and the friends I have made through sports, classes, clubs, and school held events!... Read 127 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1370

• Average ACT 28

• Elkhorn Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  156 reviews

Senior: My experience at Elkhorn High was very memorable. Because of it’s challenging and rigorous curriculum, it brought out some of my best qualities and helped me develop a work ethic that will set me up for success throughout college and the rest of my life. I learned so much at Elkhorn and I feel very prepared for college! However, there are times where the amount of work that teachers assign us can be a little overwhelming, and I think students could have a slightly lighter workload while achieving the same amount of preparation for college. I moved to Elkhorn my sophomore year, and making friends was hard for me initially. Luckily, through sports, I was able to make some close friends that share some of my core values and are able to have fun. I have many great experiences at Elkhorn High and the high school experience is something i will never forget!... Read 156 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1240

• Average ACT 27

• Omaha Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  328 reviews

Senior: Overall my experience with academics and the teachers has been amazing! There are a lot of great programs and clubs. For the most part Central is very inclusive, however I do wish they had more inclusive facilities for the LGBT+ community(Such as gender neutral restrooms that are actually maintained and kept open).... Read 328 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1210

• Average ACT 24

• Westside Community Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  557 reviews

Senior: I’ve had a great experience as a student at Westside! As a student, I’ve had many privileges including but not limited to a school permitted iPad, fantastic staff who accept their students, delicious school lunches, advanced classes offered, and more! As a student who was opted in to the district, I’m extremely grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had.... Read 557 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1300

• Average ACT 26

• Millard Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  455 reviews

Alum: Though I only got the chance to go here for a year and a half, I wouldn't have wanted to graduate from anywhere else. Millard West has the best administrative team on Earth! I have been to four different school districts throughout k-12 and I have never felt more important/cared about by my higher-ups. During my time at Millard West, I was able to regain confidence and become more involved in the things I love. As someone who struggles with mental illness, I also felt a great amount of support when things got tough. I will forever admire Millard West for what it has taught me.... Read 455 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1320

• Average ACT 27

• Papillion-La Vista School District, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  346 reviews

Junior: PLHS is a wonderful school, and everyone is very open and warm. The teachers are willing to go out of their way for students - academically or otherwise - and are brilliant themselves. For you foodies, the food choices are excellent. There’s usually five main meal options. The students at this school are also really open and understanding of each other, which is amazing considering most of us have at least one mental issue. Everyone is really inclusive of the special need students as well, and make them feel cared about. There are many academic options and levels, so you’ll be sure to find out what’s right for you! I highly recommend PLHS to anyone coming to Papillion La Vista.... Read 346 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1230

• Average ACT 26

• Millard Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  366 reviews

Senior: My favorite part about Millard South is the culture. At Millard South it is encouraged to be apart of as many things as possible. Being apart of clubs and extracurriculars at Millard South really made my high school experience enjoyable! Millard South also offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to schedule and being able to choose your classes. As a student it is great to be able to pick classes you really want to be in. One thing about Millard South that sets it apart from other schools in the Omaha metro area is its business department. The business department at Millard South is filled with amazing teachers who help each student in their class to find what they love to do. The classes provide skills that can be used in everyday life and beyond high school. Over all, being at Millard South has taught me great lessons and helped me grow into a young adult and I am proud to be a Millard South Patriot!... Read 366 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1230

• Average ACT 25

• Bellevue Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  328 reviews

Alum: The academics and college readiness at Bellevue West are outstanding. You can take advantage of many opportunities through clubs or partnerships with colleges for credit. The 2022-2023 school year will introduce a new college education course that will prepare those who want to become teachers. It gives you a look at what college work can be like and prepares you for the career of your interest. I was given the opportunity to work on my CNA with Metropolitan Community College, gaining high school and college credits all at once. There is also the choice of dual enrollment, depending on specific classes, saving you a lot of money for college. The sports, community, safety, arts, representation, and overall educational goals for students make this school great. My senior year was by far the best year of high school, and although there were some hard times when the pandemic came along, I am still proud to be a T-bird - where we fly the T-bird way!... Read 328 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Average SAT 1100

• Average ACT 24

• Papillion-La Vista School District, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  265 reviews

Junior: Papillion La Vista South High school is a great school. We have clubs popping up based on different interests of students every year and our school spirit is at it's highest during our game days. Our Show choir, band and ROTC also are amazing. The Students and staff are all good people and are all really nice! There are few issues that arise so everyone is pretty relaxed.... Read 265 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Average SAT 1200

• Average ACT 26

• Bellevue Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  203 reviews

Senior: I have really enjoyed attending Bellevue East High School. They provide great opportunities to take college level courses while in high school and give student the opportunity to lower college costs by having accumulated college credits prior to graduating. The school is also quite diverse and has allowed me the opportunity to interact with and learn the traditions of many different cultures. It is so important is today's world to be able to work with and understand various cultures and how one's interactions and demeanor may be construed by the other individual. With this background, I think I will have a good understanding of how to interact with different cultures both in college and in the workplace and how to have a respectful discourse, especially if our opinions on a topic differ. It is imperative to be inclusive in ones thinking.... Read 203 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Average SAT 1120

• Average ACT 24

• Omaha Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  254 reviews

Junior: As a Junior at Omaha North Magnet High School, I have to say that the overall experience from the environment, consoling, and after school programs make this school a great one. It offers scholarships available to all students and has several student leadership clubs. One problem I do have with the school however is how mediocre the food is. The food is either lukewarm or sometimes way too hot for cooked food. The smoking and vaping in overcrowded bathrooms is a big problem as well.... Read 254 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Average SAT 1210

• Average ACT 23

• Bennington Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: Bennington High School is a great school to go to. All the teachers really care for the students, and you will learn a lot in 4 years. Bennington has many strong extracurriculars and clubs as well as a positive community. The only complaint I would have is a few missing classes, such as AP Government and any AP Physics class, but besides that, Bennington is a great place to get your high school diploma!... Read 54 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Average SAT 1280

• Average ACT 27

• Lewis Central Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  215 reviews

Sophomore: Lewis Central High School offers many accelerated learning paths and class connected with Iowa Western Community College to give students a head start when they graduate. Teachers at Lewis Central genuinely care about the students that they teach and are very good at working with them in different ways to ensure that they succeed. Lewis Central High School also offers a vast variety of extracurricular activities for all students. Overall, a very good community to be a part of.... Read 215 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Average SAT 1240

• Average ACT 24

• Omaha Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  373 reviews

Senior: I really enjoyed the school spirit that my surrounded myself and my school. The bonds that I have created with my teachers is something that I can carry with me forever. They have become great resources that I can use in the future. Burke has created a positive environment for both my academic and mental abilities. Burke has taught me social and financial skills that have become useful. I have also met some great friends that I can forever cherish through my time at Burke High School. I highly recommend everyone going to Burke because it is a great experience!... Read 373 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Average SAT 1070

• Average ACT 24

• Ralston Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  137 reviews

Senior: I have been going to Ralston since second grade. I love being at Ralston to prepare me for college because I was able to find the right teachers for me to interact with. The teachers are all good at their own thing, even though some of them need to work on it. I cannot thank them enough on how Ralston shaped me and my future. If I could improve Ralston, I would change our food and the flexibility of classes. The food has always been the same and has no flavor. A class with many students shouldn’t change why I can’t get in. If I want to be in that class, I should.... Read 137 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 1160

• Average ACT 24

• Council Bluffs Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  215 reviews

Senior: This school and district allows for an abundance of future career learning and college experiences. Through programs such as, the Early College Academy, students can get started with their college degrees. In this program, students earn their associates degree in the major of their choice at the local community college. For students who wish to just focus on high school while they're there, the Pottawattamie Promise Scholarship is an amazing opportunity! With this program, you go to the local community college for free for the two years following Iowa Western. The staff at this school truly care about their students and continuously provide for them. Super clean and nurturing community.... Read 215 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 1110

• Average ACT 23

• Yutan Public Schools, NE•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.3 out of 5  20 reviews

Alum: For the most part it was very enjoyable. But, as time went along and I got older, into high school, the staff began getting lazy and not caring about their jobs. The administration also had a huge affect on my high school career. They didn’t do what was needed in order for their students to be happy and feel wanted in the classroom setting. But, growing up in a small town and going to Yutan since preschool, my overall rating would be excellent. There is no doubt in my mind I would want to attend a different school.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Average SAT 1470

• Average ACT 26

• Council Bluffs Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  205 reviews

Senior: I have loved my time at Thomas Jefferson, everyone at the school is very friendly and the atmosphere is very welcoming. The diversity is something like no other, there is many different religion and authentices throughout with countless amount of clubs that allow students to exceed. Many tutoring and help options also give students opportunities to excel. Our school also has a lot of school spirit by filling up the stands at sporting events, auditoriums filled during drama performances, and rooms filled when we have events such as dancing with the stars. The one thing I would change at the school is the lunch, the lunch is not appetizing, and while there are many options none are perfect. Also, we have off-campus lunch banned. Overall I would recommend Thomas Jefferson to any high-schooler.... Read 205 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1000

• Average ACT 23

• Springfield Platteview Community Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: Platteview does a great job of making sure they have a staff of truly caring and passionate teachers. I have found so many mentors in the district that care about what my life become past graduation. I have made some amazing friends and met coaches that have inspired and pushed me to my fullest potential. The school spirit in our district is unmatched. Platteview makes sure to incorporate our community as it is the heart of our school. They care about the little things and make sure each student feels like they're heard and cared for. They have teachers that have excelled and expanded my way of thinking for the better. When COVID hit it was hard for our small school as we were used to being in person and always seeing classmates and teachers, Platteview never gave up on us and they did everything and anything they could to help us through those tough times and with the time almost being completely over our school is coming back stronger and more prideful then ever.... Read 66 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1290

• Average ACT 26

• Plattsmouth Community Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  72 reviews

Senior: My experience at Plattsmouth High School was fulfilling. Throughout my four years of high school, I have strived to take all the music classes that my school had to offer, which included concert and marching band, jazz band, show choir, and select women’s chorus. Those classes assisted me in growing my confidence and self-discipline as a performer and a student. I had kept my GPA at a solid 3.9 with the help of peers and excellent staff and teachers.... Read 72 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1080

• Average ACT 23

• Omaha Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  183 reviews

Senior: I like most about Northwest is the staff are kind and supporting. They helped me through everything, especially when I’m struggle with my school work. They behave equally and love their students. Northwest also provides education in more understandable way. There are so many programs, clubs, activities, and sports. I love every minutes I spent there.... Read 183 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Average SAT 970

• Average ACT 20

• Omaha Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  223 reviews

Senior: Overall I enjoyed my years here at South High, we have many good teachers who actually try to connect and engage with their students. We also have a lot of different after school clubs and sports! If I could change once thing about my school it would probably be a better bathroom system. To explain, every day all the bathrooms are locked except one to keep students from skipping or wandering around in the halls. The issue is they chose what bathrooms to keep open at random so really they aren’t helping the “wandering student” problem. There’s only about 5-6 stalls available the entire school so on average you have to wait at least 5 minutes before going.... Read 223 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1100

• Average ACT 20

• Gretna Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  250 reviews

Alum: Gretna High School is a wonderful place to be. The people there are awesome and caring. It is an amazing school with awesome academics, awesome teachers, awesome administration, awesome athletics and awesome everything. Gretna High School prepares students for life. I highly encourage anyone to go to Gretna High School. It is a big school but has wonderful community values. Gretna High School has amazing and supportive parents who want their kids going to a good school. The people who have gone through Gretna Public Schools land wonderful jobs.... Read 250 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• Average SAT 1360

• Average ACT 26

• Omaha Public Schools, NE•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  174 reviews

Senior: Benson was definitely one of my best experiences. They have great teachers and amazing counselors. The clubs at benson are endless, we have a dungeons and dragons club, drawing and painting club, Tutoring, etc. If you go here you will not regret it!... Read 174 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Average SAT 780

• Average ACT 18