FAQs

Yes, the program is an entire school year. The program starts in August and ends in May each year. Refer to our academic calendar for specific dates.

Classes are held everyday of the week, Monday-Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. You'll take two classes each semester, all on different topics. Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesday and on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays are Focus Days where all of the students are together and you have an opportunity to do group work, to make up tests or assignments, to listen to guest speakers, or to receive additional instruction. Occasionally, we'll use Focus Day to take field trips or do team-building activities off campus.

Yes, you can participate in extra-curricular activities. You will need to communicate with your coach or advisor that our classes go until 3:00 p.m. and that you might be late for practice. Your parents/guardians will need to let us know when you need to leave early for a game or other activity.

Students need to be a junior or a senior in high school to be able to participate in this program. View the full eligibility requirements for participating.

These public school districts participate: Omaha, Millard, Bellevue, Elkhorn, Council Bluffs Community Schools, Westside, Gretna, Bennington, Ralston, Douglas County West, Springfield-Platteview, and ESU#3 schools not in Douglas or Sarpy counties such as Arlington, Blair, Elmwood-Murdock, Ft. Calhoun, Plattsmouth, Louisville, Murray Conestoga, or Weeping Water.

Yes, there is homework. You'll take two classes a semester, and each will have homework or other activities you'll need to do outside of class.

Yes, the UNMC High School Alliance requires that students wear a polo shirt, black-colored pants that cover the ankles, socks and closed-toe shoes. This uniform is primarily for your safety.

No, you don't have to pay for your uniform. Each student receives three polo shirts and a jacket. Students are responsible for their black-colored pants, closed-toe shoes and socks. Students may purchase additional shirts and jackets.

Each student will take two classes in the fall semester and two different classes in the spring semester. Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesday and on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We use Fridays as our Focus Day, which is required class time where you come together with your classmates for group work, make-up tests, guest lectures, field trips and more. View the course schedule.

The High School Alliance reviews each application to ensure that students have met the eligibility requirements. If you've met the requirements, we'll schedule you for an interview to talk about your interests and why you want to participate in the High School Alliance. Then, you will be notified via email if you have been accepted into the program and what the next steps are.

In general, the UNMC High School Alliance academic calendar follows the Omaha Public Schools calendar. If OPS cancels school, we will cancel school. Please know that OPS can also call a "remote learning" day rather than a snow day. If this happens, we will also have a "remote learning" day.