Education

Education is an investment in the future of a community. Students’ experiences inside and outside the classroom, at school, and at home must be considered if we are to provide high-quality education to all. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area sees inequities in both educational access and student performance. These disparities are largely centered on income and race, often showing up before kindergarten and continuing into adulthood.

Kindergarten Readiness

Many children in our community, particularly those from lower-income families, may not have access to preschool programs.

Sixty percent of children ages 3-4 are not enrolled in a preschool or nursery program. Research shows that access to high-quality preschool programs can help children be ready for kindergarten.

Iowa and Nebraska have slightly higher rates of preschool enrollment than the national average.

Preschool enrollment rates in the Omaha metro area range between 34% and 46%. In 2022, these rates were lower compared to national, Nebraska, and Iowa averages.

Third Grade Reading

Third grade students in Pottawattamie, Sarpy, and Douglas Counties tested proficient in reading at similar levels.

In the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, students of color tested proficient in reading at rates lower than white students.

Students in Nebraska and Iowa tested proficient in reading at about the same rate as students nationally. 

Both nationally and in Nebraska and Iowa, students who identify as Black or Hispanic tested proficient in reading at half the rate of white students.

Eighth Grade Math

Eighth grade students in Pottawattamie County have higher math proficiency rates than students in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. 

In the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, students of color tested proficient in math at rates lower than white students.

Students in Nebraska and Iowa tested proficient in math at about the same rate as students nationally. 

Both nationally and in Nebraska and Iowa, Students who identify as Black or Hispanic tested proficient at substantially lower rates than students who identify as white. This was the case in Nebraska and Iowa, as well as nationally.

Attendance

Average daily attendance across the Omaha metro has generally decreased but still remains above 90%.

*Average daily attendance is the percentage of days students attend school compared to the total number of school days. (Data is not available for the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy for all years.)

Dropout Rates

Dropout rates in Douglas and Sarpy Counties are slightly higher than rates in Pottawattamie County.

Across the state, Nebraska’s dropout rates have remained consistently around 1% since 2014. Iowa’s dropout rates have remained closer to 2%. Both locally and at the state level, dropout rates have increased in recent years.

High School Graduation

Graduation rates in Douglas and Sarpy Counties are lower than in Pottawattamie County.

In the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, students of color graduated at lower rates than white students.

In Nebraska and Iowa, graduation rates are generally higher than national rates.

Overall, statewide rates have typically been higher than national graduation rates.

College Attendance

Nebraska college attendance rates are higher than national rates. Iowa college attendance rates are similar to national figures.

Within the Omaha metro, students from Sarpy and Douglas Counties attend college at about the same rate. (Data for Pottawattamie County college attendance has not been available in recent years.)