Nebraska, known as the Cornhusker State, is a great place to escape the noise and busyness of big city life. With over 1,000 public schools spanning over 244 school districts, the largest schools in Nebraska are mostly concentrated in cities like Lincoln and Omaha.
Even though much of Nebraska is made up of rural areas and small towns, there are also a number of large schools in the state. Keep reading to find out about the largest schools in Nebraska and what academic and athletic programs they offer.
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University of Nebraska Lincoln
1400 R St, Lincoln, NE 68588
The University of Nebraska Lincoln is a land-grant university with 24,431 students. The mission of this university includes teaching, research, and service. As part of the University of Nebraska system, the University of Nebraska Lincoln is governed by a Board of Regents which is elected by voters in the state.
The University of Nebraska Lincoln has consistently ranked as one of the top-tier research universities in Nebraska. Students at this university can choose from hundreds of academic programs including undergraduate, graduate, and law degree programs.
Notable University of Nebraska Lincoln Alumni
The University of Nebraska Lincoln has a number of notable alumni, including:
- Warren Buffett, billionaire and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
- Evan Williams, co-founder of Twitter
- Jordan Burroughs, gold medalist wrestler
- Willa Cather, novelist
- Johnny Carson, former host of The Tonight Show
- Conor Oberst, lead singer of Bright Eyes
- James Valentine, lead guitarist of Maroon 5
- Dan Whitney, comedian known for his character Larry the Cable Guy
- John R. McCarl, first Comptroller General
- Henry Beachell, winner of the 1996 World Food Prize for his work with rice
University of Nebraska Omaha
6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182
The University of Nebraska Omaha is a public research university serving 15,328 students. With strong academic values and an active community, the University of Nebraska Omaha offers learning opportunities for all students in the Omaha area.
The mission of this university is to transform and improve the quality of life for those who are in Omaha and all across the world. Their values include excellence, engagement, inclusion, and discovery. Their extensive academic program includes over 200 programs of study for students to choose from.
Notable University of Nebraska Omaha Alumni
As one of Nebraska's largest schools, the University of Nebraska Omaha has a number of notable alumni, including:
- Josh Archibald, right winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning
- Bruce Benedict, former catcher for the Atlanta Braves and MLB All-Star
- Steven K. “Destiny” Bonnell II, Twitch streamer and internet personality
- Jason Brilz, retired MMA fighter who fought with the UFC
- James H. Kasler, Korean War Flying Ace who is the only person to have been awarded the Air Force Cross three times
- Penny Sackett, astronomer and Chief Scientist of Australia
- Leo Thorsness, Medal of Honor Recipient
- Vicki Trickett, actress
- Abdul Salam Azimi, former Chief Justice of Afghanistan
Omaha South Magnet High School
4519 S 24th St, Omaha, NE 68107
Omaha South Magnet High School, also known as South High School, is a public magnet school with 2,975 students. The mission of this high school is to prepare students to reach their highest potential in academics and technology.
Their goals include increasing the number of students graduating from high school and using the best instructional practices in every classroom. Established in 1898, South High School has provided students in Omaha with quality education for over a hundred years. They also offer a wide range of activities, athletics, and fine arts programs for students.
Notable Omaha South Magnet High Alumni
Omaha South Magnet has a long list of notable alumni, including:
- Marlin Briscoe, first African-American starting quarterback in the NFL
- Leo J. Dulacki, decorated lieutenant general in the Marine Corps
- Noah Fant, tight end for the Seattle Seahawks
- Johnny Goodman, won the U.S. Open in 1933 and was the last amateur golfer to do so
- Darrell Mudra, college football coach
- Buddy Hunter, former utility infielder for the Boston Red Sox
- Phil Cahoy, gymnast
- Jim Hartung, winner of a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics
Central High School
124 N 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102
Central High School is a public high school in Omaha serving 2,788 students. This school has ranked as the 6th best college prep high school in the state and the 2nd most diverse high school.
The mission of Central High School is to continue a tradition of excellence through academic achievement, diversity, and responsible global citizenship. Their rigorous academic program includes a focus on classic literature and over 70 IB, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment courses. Students can also participate in over 40 different clubs and activities.
Millard North High School
1010 S 144th St, Omaha, NE 68154
Millard North High School is a public high school in Omaha with a student population of 2,592. Millard North was rated the top public high school in Nebraska and the top college prep school. Their academic program includes numerous IB courses as well as Advanced Placement courses.
Founded in 1981, this public school was also recognized by the Department of Education for the Excellence in Education Blue Ribbon Recognition Program. Student life is also an essential part of Millard North High School and they offer activities such as band, cheer, debate, and journalism.
Millard South High School
14905 Q St, Omaha, NE 68137
Millard South High School is a high school in Omaha that serves 2,591 students. Founded in 1970, Millard South High is one of four public high schools within the Millard Public School District.
At Millard South, they offer a variety of academic programs to help students prepare for the future. They have a diverse community and encourage students within their school community to strive for personal excellence and growth. The academic programs at Millard South High School include an Early College Program, AFJROTC, Advanced Placement Courses, and Dual Enrollment.
Grand Island Senior High School
2124 N Lafayette Ave, Grand Island, NE 68803
Grand Island Senior High School is a public school with 2,567 students. As the only high school in the Grand Island Public Schools system, they offer numerous opportunities to students to learn, build character, and prepare for college or a career.
The academic program at Grand Island Senior High School includes a range of academy classes such as the Academy of Education, Law & Public Safety, the Academy of Technical Sciences, the Academy of Technical Sciences, and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
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Lincoln High School
2229 J St, Lincoln, NE 68510
Lincoln High School is a public school in Lincoln, Nebraska with a student population of 2,377. Their mission is to prepare students to live, learn, and work in a diverse society. Diversity is an essential part of their school community and Lincoln High School was ranked as the most diverse school in the state of Nebraska.
One of their goals is for all students to improve their academic skills. They help students achieve this goal and reach their fullest potential by offering programs such as Career and Technical Education as well as an IB program.
Lincoln East High School
1000 S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68510
Lincoln East High School is a public high school with 2,335 students. This school was rated as the school with the best public high school teachers in the state. It also ranked as the 3rd best public high school in Nebraska.
The vision of East High School is to seek excellence through the power of education. Students are challenged by the rigorous academic programs, but they can also build community during student activities. The activities at Lincoln East High School include athletic teams as well as band, theatre, and vocal music.
North Star High School
5801 N 33rd St, Lincoln, NE 68504
North Star High School is a public high school in Nebraska with 2,301 students. The mission of North Star is to help students achieve academic excellence and positive relationships. They recognize the unique interests and needs of each student and help them reach their greatest potential.
The academic program at North Star High School includes Advanced Placement courses and students who excel academically are invited to join the National Honor Society. At North Star High School, students also have the opportunity to join the athletics program to learn and grow in a positive environment.
Millard West High School
5710 S 176th Ave, Omaha, NE 68135
Millard West High School is a highly-rated public school with 2,283 students. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this high school first opened in 1995. Millard West High School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and as one of the Nation’s Most Challenging High Schools.
Students at Millard West have the opportunity to sign up for Advanced Placement Courses and honors courses. Students also get to select between four different career academies to take classes focused on their specific career goals. Millard West High School also has a lively athletic community with some of the best athletic teams and activities in the state.
Burke High School
12200 Burke Blvd, Omaha, NE 68154
Burke High School is a public school in Nebraska with 2,194 students. This high school ranked as the 6th most diverse public high school in the state. Students at Burke High School begin their high school experience with the Freshman Academy, where they build the skills necessary to succeed at Burke High.
The staff at Burke High School teaches students with a modern, practical curriculum that focuses on preparing students for their future careers. This includes students participating in different academies such as the Air and Space Academy or the Communications Academy. Burke High School is also well-known for their athletic teams and student activities that have won awards across the state.
Southwest High School
7001 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512
Southwest High School is a highly-rated public high school in Lincoln with 2,112 students. Southwest High School has ranked in the top 5 for best college prep public high schools and best public high school teachers. It was also ranked as the 6th best public high school overall in the state of Nebraska.
Southwest High School has a variety of athletic teams and many of their teams have won awards throughout the state. They also have numerous student activities such as cheer, dance, drama, forensics, and music.
Finding the Best Schools in Nebraska
Even though Nebraska is mostly a collection of small towns, places like Lincoln and Omaha are home to numerous large schools. Some of the largest public schools in these cities have almost 3,000 students overall.
The largest schools in Nebraska have rigorous academic programs and expansive student activities. Larger schools often provide more opportunities for students to learn, grow, and excel academically.
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