The Northwest High Challenge: Inside Omaha's School Addressing 61% Absenteeism And Career Readiness In 2025

Omaha Northwest High School (NWHS) is currently at the epicenter of a district-wide effort to redefine secondary education, balancing ambitious career-focused programs with significant challenges that have captured the attention of the entire Omaha Public Schools (OPS) community. As of late 2025, the school, known for its Huskies mascot and a commitment to practical, future-focused learning, is working diligently to address an extremely high rate of chronic absenteeism while simultaneously expanding its innovative College & Career Academies. The latest updates reveal a school year marked by both high-level academic opportunities and administrative focus on student engagement and safety. The current focus is on sustaining the momentum of specialized learning pathways while tackling the critical issue of student presence. The school’s administration, under the leadership of Principal Dr. Kimberly Jackson, is implementing strategies to ensure every student is present and engaged, a necessity given the recent data indicating a major hurdle in daily attendance.

Omaha Northwest High School Profile and Notable Alumni

Omaha Northwest High Magnet School, an institution with a rich history in the Omaha area, operates under the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) district and serves a diverse student body. Its profile is defined by a strong commitment to preparing students for life after graduation, whether through collegiate studies or immediate entry into the workforce. The school’s official colors are Scarlet, Navy, and Old Gold, and its teams compete fiercely as the Huskies. The school is led by Principal Dr. Kimberly Jackson, who oversees the various academic and athletic programs. The campus is located at 8204 Crown Point Ave., Omaha, NE 68134.

Notable Alumni Biography List

Omaha Northwest High School has produced a number of notable individuals who have gone on to achieve success in professional sports, media, and other fields. The Northwest High Alumni Association actively works to maintain connections and celebrate the achievements of its former students.

• Brad Beckman: A former professional football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) as a tight end. Beckman notably played for the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons.
• Tyrie Ballard: Gained national recognition as a cast member on the popular MTV reality television show, *The Real World: Denver*.
• Ewing: A prominent UNO alumnus who is a graduate of Northwest High School. He has been recognized by the UNO Alumni Association for his service and achievements.

The Critical Challenge: Addressing Chronic Absenteeism

One of the most pressing and widely reported issues facing Omaha Northwest High School in the 2024-2025 school year is the alarmingly high rate of chronic absenteeism. This term is defined by missing 10% or more of the school year, which translates to roughly 18 days. The school's chronic absenteeism rate has been reported to exceed 61% for the 2024-2025 school year, a figure that significantly surpasses the district average and highlights a post-pandemic challenge facing many public schools. The issue is not unique to Northwest High, as Omaha Public Schools has been working to combat rising absenteeism rates across the district. The administration and OPS are keenly aware that low student attendance, starting as early as kindergarten, can cause children to fall significantly behind their peers. The school is actively emphasizing the importance of daily attendance, recognizing that addressing the root causes of truancy requires a comprehensive, community-focused approach. Efforts are being made through various Omaha Public Schools programs, including the Secondary Success Program and the Transition Program, to re-engage students and provide the necessary support structures. This challenge is the defining administrative focus for the school year, as consistent attendance is the foundational requirement for academic success within the innovative programs offered.

Innovation in Education: College & Career Academies and Dual Enrollment

Despite the attendance challenges, Omaha Northwest High School remains a hub for educational innovation, particularly through its College & Career Academies. This program represents the evolution of high school programming within Omaha Public Schools, aimed at preparing students with practical, real-world skills. The College & Career Academies at Northwest High are designed to incorporate work-based learning, practical problem solving, and elevated expectations for all students. The goal is to ensure that students are not only academically proficient but also possess the industry-specific knowledge and soft skills necessary for immediate success post-graduation. Students often speak highly of the pathways, noting how the curriculum helps them reach their goals and become successful. A key feature of the academic offerings is the strong Dual Enrollment partnership with the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). This program allows students at Northwest High Magnet School to take college-level courses and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, providing a significant head start on their post-secondary education. The application periods for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Dual Enrollment courses have been announced, indicating the program's continued strength and availability.

Athletics and Student Life Updates for 2025

The Omaha Northwest Huskies athletic teams are an integral part of student life, with a wide array of sports competing in the Metro High School Athletic Conference. The official Athletic Website serves as the central hub for all team rosters, schedules, and updates, keeping the community informed about the Huskies' performance. Recent and upcoming sports updates for late 2025 include:

• Basketball: The Boys JV team is scheduled for a game against Omaha Westview in December 2025. The Freshman Boys Basketball team competed in January 2025, losing to Papillion-LaVista South High School.
• Football: The Huskies have a scheduled football game against North Star Football in October 2025.
• Wrestling: Boys Wrestling open gym sessions are on the schedule for late 2025.
• JROTC: The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program is an active part of the school's schedule, with early morning sessions regularly scheduled.
• Unified Bowling: The school also supports a Unified Bowling team, which promotes inclusion and sportsmanship among all students.

Safety and Community Response

In addition to the educational focus, the school has recently dealt with safety incidents that underscore the need for a supportive and secure learning environment. Omaha Public Schools and the school administration have been forced to address incidents, including a reported knife incident where a staff member was injured. These events highlight the commitment of the school staff to student safety and the ongoing efforts to manage and de-escalate crisis situations within the school environment. The focus remains on providing a safe, structured, and positive atmosphere that supports the academic and personal growth of every student.