Focus programs in Lincoln, Nebraska facts for kids
The LPS Focus Programs are special high schools in Lincoln, Nebraska. They are like "magnet schools," which means they attract students who are really good at certain subjects. These programs are run by Lincoln Public Schools and are designed for students who are very talented and want to learn more about specific areas.
What are the LPS Focus Programs?
As of 2009, there are four main focus programs:
- Arts and Humanities Focus Program
- Entrepreneurship Focus Program
- Information Technology Focus Program
- Science Focus Program
How Do These Programs Work?
These schools are quite small, usually having fewer than 100 students each year. This helps students get lots of personal attention from teachers. The classes are all about the school's special topic, like science or art.
To join a focus program, you need to apply. Part of the application is writing a short essay about why you want to be there.
Students usually don't take all their classes at the focus program. Many students go to their regular high school for a few classes in the morning. Then, they travel to the focus program for the rest of the school day. Classes at the focus programs often use "block scheduling," which means you have fewer classes each day, but each class is longer.
A Look at Their History
The very first focus program, known as the Zoo School, started in 1997. It was an idea from Dennis Van Horn and a group of teachers from different high schools.
The way the Zoo School was set up worked really well. Because of its success, other focus programs were created one by one over the next ten years. The newest program, the Entrepreneurship Focus Program, opened in 2006. It is located at the Southeast Community College Entrepreneurship Center.
