Elkhorn Public Schools is a privileged public school system that embodies many of the traits that are sought after in a private school.
Students in public education systems are often more exposed to the realities of life than those who attend private schools. Classmates can have married or divorced parents, practice different religions, have a different family income, or live a completely different home life. While there is some diversity, wealth gap, and varying needs, Elkhorn seems to be a homogeneous system.
“One of the beautiful things about a public school that happens more organically than a private school is a diversity of stories and upbringing,” English teacher Kelly Honz said.
Honz was educated through a public school system and has taught in public schools her entire teaching career. Though Honz teaches at a public school, she sends her kids to a private school.
Honz attended a public school similar to Elkhorn growing up, but her husband attended Skutt Catholic High School. Making the decision of what kind of education their children should enroll in was a collaborative effort.
“We [Honz and her husband] really like the character education component,” Honz said. “We like the opportunity of faith being infused in their [our children’s] daily lives.”
Honz student taught at Burke High School and then took her first teaching job at Ralston High School where she stayed for eleven years. While all schools are public, Honz explained how the differences between them are a result of the needs of their communities.
“Teaching in Ralston forced me out of my bubble,” Honz said. “It made me see other parts of Omaha, explore different neighborhoods, and see the different ways people lived and grew up compared to me. I’m also very grateful for having worked with students whose needs are different from mine.”
In Ralston, Honz taught students who faced homelessness, language barriers, and students who had to work to help pay their family’s bills. This additional struggle in home life is not seen as often in the suburb of Elkhorn.
“The learning is essential,” Honz said. “But kids can’t learn unless some of their basic needs are met.”
Principal Dan Radicia also taught at a different public school in Omaha. Before becoming a principal, Radicia taught English at Omaha Brian and then Elkhorn High. While Radica shared there were collaborative spirits and pride in both schools, he acknowledged the effect of differing resources.
“I started my education at a school that was incredibly difficult,” Radicia said. “You had to put a lot of energy into things that our kids [students in Elkhorn] are already equipped with.”
While there are some students in the Elkhorn district who have a struggling home life, it is more common to look around an honors classroom and notice the similarities among students. Elkhorn North has a lack of diversity compared to other public schools, which is a reflection of the Elkhorn community.
People frequently move into district boundaries to attend Elkhorn Public Schools. A well-respected education is sought after, and Elkhorn Public Schools is ranked in the top 1% of the 245 districts in Nebraska.
“When you look at the tight-knit community of Elkhorn, the school is the hub of the community,” Radicia said. “What unites Elkhorn is our geography and our belief in high education.”
Elkhorn Public Schools students are privileged to attend a school that reflects the affluent background of many. With a brand new school that is continually being renovated, students in Elkhorn attend a glorified public school.
Some students attend private middle schools and choose to attend Elkhorn North. With high-tech classrooms, successful sports teams, and high student involvement, Elkhorn North is a school students want to go to.
With privilege comes price, Elkhorn North does lack diversity. When students graduate and attend college, there will likely be a major adjustment compared to other students who attended more “public” public schools. Elkhorn North rarely has fight outbreaks in the hallway, dangerous legal situations, or student threats.
Senior Avi Dosseh previously attended a school in the Omaha Public Schools District, and his recent move to Elkhorn has proven to be a major shift in his public school education.
“At my old school if I did something wrong or made a bad joke towards someone and they got offended, they would threaten to fight or harm me,” Dosseh said.
Dosseh also expressed the dramatic difference in care and participation of Elkhorn North Students. Students at Elkhorn North are more involved in the classroom and with each other.
“It’s a better education here [Elkhorn North],” Dosseh said. “There are less distractions and disrespect towards teachers.”
While Elkhorn North doesn’t charge tuition like private schools, the similarity of education is comparable. While morality and religion are not taught in public schools, Elkhorn North does offer similar benefits of private schools. Elkhorn North provides high quality education in a safe environment, at no cost.
Public schools also receive funding to support students with special needs and disabilities. Public schools have the capacity to provide education and guidance to students of all needs. Students who attend public school are more exposed to those with varying needs, instilling a greater sense of empathy and understanding.
“I think Elkhorn Public Schools does a nice job of having parents who raise kids with high character,” Radicia said.
While public schools can have the stigma of being “public schools,” the success of Elkhorn Public School students is changing that view. Students who graduate through Elkhorn Public Schools are well prepared for their academic futures and should take pride in their public education.
“You can leave Elkhorn with as many doors open as you want,” Honz said.
