Rooted in Excellence

160 Years of Omaha Public Schools 

Omaha Public Schools began in 1859 with the goal of inspiring excellence as the first public school system in Douglas County. Its goal is to prepare students for life in a world where understanding and appreciating diversity are essential.

Throughout the past 160 years, Omaha Public Schools has remained dedicated to its mission of preparing all students to excel in college, career and life. The district has grown to consist of 62 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, seven high schools, one virtual school, and 13 alternative programs. The school district is set to open five new schools (two elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools) between 2022 and 2023.

The mural captures moments of history and impact from throughout the past 160 years.

 The Mural

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In celebration of the impact Omaha Public Schools has made over the past 160 years, muralists Michael Giron, Richard Harrison and Rebecca Harrison, with their combined 68 years of artistic expertise, have brought its history to life. The mural recounts the past, present and future of the Omaha Public Schools.

Inspired by the work of Larry Rivers, the muralists created a patchwork of images with the idea that “a timeline itself is like a collage.” All the images together exemplify the rich diversity of the Omaha Public Schools.

1859-1899: Common Schools and Universal Education
1899-1939: Progressive Reform
1939-1979: Equality and Equal Rights Movement
1979-2019: Bottom Line and the Open Market Approach to Education

 The Portrait of a Graduate

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Across the district, students are taught six main characteristics believed to embody the ideal Omaha Public Schools graduate. Those characteristics are collaborator, communicator, critical thinker, innovator, civic and global contributor and resilient achiever. Throughout Omaha Public Schools’ history, many graduates have embodied these characteristics as can be seen within the mural. Below is a color-coded diagram that can be matched with portions of the mural to highlight graduates who have shared these characteristics with the world.

Collaborator - Demonstrates the ability to work independently with diverse perspectives to promote learning and achieve common goals.
Communicator - Communicates with purpose and intent in a variety of modes and formats through effective reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
Critical Thinker - Exhibits the ability to reason through and weigh evidence and to make complex decisions.
Innovator - Generates, invests in and shares ideas and solutions.
Civil & Global Contributor - Understands, embraces and participates in open dialogue regarding diverse issues that impact their community and an inclusive world.
Resilient Achiever - Overcomes obstacles and recognizes the need to continue growth through perseverance.

Creating the Future Ahead

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Omaha Public Schools foresees many challenges and opportunities the district will likely encounter as the future emerges and the world continues to evolve through technology and innovation.The district has seen much change in its 160 years of existence and, though change is expected to remain a constant, the district’s dedication to education and the community will remain.