Road to Graduation

Members of the Class of 2025 must earn 49 credits to graduate (see graduation requirements page).  Included in these credits are several required courses that must be passed before a student can graduate.  Please contact counselor, Julie Politi  531-299-5661, if you have questions about your student's credit standing.  

You are also encouraged to keep in touch with individual teachers.  Teachers may be contacted by phoning the main office line at 531-299-2660 and leaving a message to be directed to their voicemail. You may also keep track of your student’s academic progress via the Portal.  Please contact Paul Nielson 531-299-5557 or paul.nielson@ops.org if you need help with your portal account.

The graduation ceremony will be available via live stream.  A link will be available closer to the graduation date.  No tickets are needed for the graduation ceremony at Baxter Arena.

Seniors with outstanding debts are not allowed to participate in graduation activities or receive their diplomas.  If your student owes money to Central High School or any other Omaha Public School, please see that the debt is paid as soon as possible.  Please contact the main office at 531-299-2660 if you have questions about fines.

The senior year is important, but the temptation to look ahead and lose focus is great.  Seniors may be tempted to slack off academically, miss too many days of school, become involved in inappropriate activities such as vandalism or pranks, participate in the publication of hurtful documents such as senior wills and underground newspapers, “party” in excess, or use poor judgment.  These actions jeopardize their education and can sometimes even endanger their lives and the lives of others.  Our expectations of seniors remain high.  We expect them to be in school, study, and follow the expectations as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.  Those who choose to break the rules will be disciplined.  Disciplinary action may include not participating in the graduation ceremony.

All Seniors will take finals. They will be given on Thursday, May 7, 2026 (A-day) for Blocks 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A, and on Friday, May 8, 2026 (B-Day) for Blocks 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B.  On Monday, May 11, from 11:15 am -1:30 pm, seniors will have the opportunity to turn in their iPad, iPad charger (both brick and cable), pay fines, and enjoy a Hy-Vee cookout.

On Monday, May 11, Seniors who must make up a final exam need to schedule it with their teacher. Senior teachers will place senior students on a list of those who need to make up their final exam. This list will be located at the security desk. Seniors must check in between 7:40 am and 8:00 am to take their makeup final exam. Once checking in at the security desk, the senior student will go to their assigned room to complete their exam(s). They must complete their makeup final exam(s) by 11:10 am.  Monday, May 11, 2026, is the only day for seniors who must make up a final exam.  Failure to take a required final exam may result in loss of credit in the class. 

Seniors will officially end the school year on Friday, May 8, 2026. This is a full school day for seniors day.   

Caps and gowns will be available for pick up at Central High in the gym lobby on Thursday, May 14, from 9-10:30 am.  It is the graduate’s responsibility to pick up their cap and gown at that time and to take them to the graduation ceremony.  The school will not deliver caps and gowns to Baxter Arena.  All graduates must wear a cap and gown purchased from School Traditions to participate in the graduation ceremony.  If you have not ordered a cap and gown, please see your counselor, call School Traditions at (402) 733-0300, or visit the store in the Bel Air Plaza at 12100 West Center Road, #202, Omaha, Nebraska 68144.

Graduation Rehearsal - Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10:30 am - 12:15 pm at Baxter Arena.

Graduation Ceremony - Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 7:00 pm at Baxter Arena 

Attendance is mandatory for all seniors planning to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Planning of graduation activities for the Class of 2026 is already underway.  The Central High School staff will strive to make the ceremony very special for the graduates, their families, and friends.

We hope that the information presented will prove helpful as you plan for graduation.  You will receive letters throughout the year with additional information.  If you have questions, please call Assistant Principal, Ms. Jodi Dierks, at 531-299-5621.