The headlines have been pretty amazing for Millard this week. If you saw the article celebrating the students named as National Merit scholarship semifinalists, here’s an extra bit of context. Millard educates approximately 7% of the students in Nebraska. Yet we have 25% of the state’s National Merit Semifinalists.
Why should you care? Because when we say we grow students for success, we mean it. Here’s a few statistics from the past year that illustrate how we are rooted in education, along with some perspective about why these are rather unique and pretty amazing.
8 Perfect ACT’s - This is more than any other school district in Nebraska.
32 International Baccalaureate Diplomas - Millard is one of only three districts in Nebraska offering the IB programme, and the only one to offer the program in kindergarten through 12th grade.
16 Advanced Placement (AP) Diplomas - Millard’s new AP Capstone Diploma program at Millard West is already paying off for students. To the best of our knowledge, these 16 diplomas were the only AP Diplomas earned in Nebraska last year.
460 AP Scholars - These are students who took at least three or more Advanced Placement classes and earned a score of three or higher on the corresponding test.
142 Early College Graduates - These Millard South students began their college career in their freshman year of high school, culminating in two graduations this past spring - the first for their associates degree and the second for their high school diploma. MSHS Early College offers families a significant savings, letting students complete the first two years of college for approximately $500 - total. While many high schools offer dual credit, the MSHS Early College program is the only one in the state offering an associates degree program.
Then there’s the number that really stands out to me, and I believe will resonate just as strongly with you: 26,638 college credits. That’s the number students earned at all three high schools last year. Each one represents a rigorous learning experience for the student and a college savings for the parents. College level work is a goal we know is attainable for many students. Last year 407 freshmen took AP Human Geography, and 86% passed the final AP exam with an excellent 3, 4, and 5.
There are a few more statistics I think all families will find meaningful, because while education is the goal for all students, exactly what that looks like is very different depending on your particular student. Learning is easier when you love what you do. We want all young people to find their spark. That’s why we offer these additional programs:
5 Millard Career Academies - These are Business & Logistics Management, Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Health Sciences, and STEM.
30 Additional Career Academies - The number of career academies we offer with a dual enrollment through Metro Community College including Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, Fire Sciences, Culinary Arts, Photography, and Criminal Justice.
Middle School Programs of Choice - Did you know Millard had the only public Montessori middle school in the state? The program is located at Russell Middle School. Another program of choice on the middle level is the Bridge to Early College at Central Middle School. It prepares students who want to apply to Millard South’s Early College.
Elementary Programs of Choice - Choice begins early. Students can attend schools offering opportunities such as the Core Knowledge Academy, Montessori, and International Baccalaureate.
There’s more to Millard than the headlines. I want to make sure families have the full story of opportunities available to their children. Millard is a great deal, both for academic excellence and for financial value. Families can find more information about Millard’s programs on our website, https://www.mpsomaha.org/departments/curriculum, and through your high school counseling office.
