Real Estate Information Archive

• Millard Public Schools: Top-tier district with multiple schools ranking in the state's top 10%
• Westside Community Schools: Ranked #108 out of 246 school districts in Nebraska (top 50%)
• Bennington Public Schools: Rapidly growing district with strong community support
• Omaha Public Schools: Largest district serving 51,693 students, facing performance challenges

• Parents gain real-time insights into their current school's quality
• New academic year brings fresh awareness of educational options
• Less competition than the traditional spring buying season
• Teachers and school staff often relocate during summer breaks
• District boundary changes typically take effect with the new school year

District Boundary Changes: The Hidden Value Shifts

• West Omaha Growth Corridor: New developments often choose incorporation into higher-rated districts
• Millard District Expansion: Continued westward growth increases home values in newly included areas
• Papillion-La Vista Overlap: Boundary adjustments affect home values along district edges
• Douglas County Rural Transitions: Agricultural areas converting to residential often see district realignments

Long-Term Value Projections by School Zone

Millard Public Schools - Strong Appreciation Outlook

• Current Status: Consistently top-rated district with Niche.com A rating
• Growth Pattern: Steady westward expansion with new housing developments
• Value Projection: An annual appreciation of 6-8% above the metro average is expected, driven by the area's steady influx of families seeking top-rated educational opportunities and policy initiatives that promote residential growth. This projection is supported by demographic trends indicating a 10% increase in school-aged children over the next five years, as reported by the Omaha Education Planning Group.
• Investment Sweet Spot: Homes near district boundaries are likely to benefit from expansion

Westside Community Schools - Moderate Growth

• Current Status: Solid middle-tier performance with a stable community
• Growth Pattern: Limited expansion but consistent quality maintenance
• Value Projection: 3-5% annual appreciation above metro average
• Investment Consideration: Established neighborhoods with renovation potential

Papillion-La Vista - High Growth Potential

• Current Status: Rapidly improving district with new facilities
• Growth Pattern: Aggressive expansion southward from Omaha
• Value Projection: 7-10% annual appreciation in select areas
• Investment Opportunity: New construction areas showing the strongest gains

Omaha Public Schools - Selective Opportunities

• Current Status: Mixed performance but significant redevelopment investment
• Growth Pattern: Urban renewal and targeted improvement initiatives
• Value Projection: Varies widely by specific school attendance zones
• Investment Strategy: Focus on magnet school areas and redevelopment corridors

Practical Steps for August Home Buyers

Research Beyond Rankings

• Visit schools during active hours to observe the environment
• Review test scores, but also consider extracurricular offerings
• Investigate future district development plans
• Analyze teacher retention rates and experience levels

Boundary Awareness

• Verify exact district boundaries—they change more frequently than expected
• Consider proximity to boundary lines for future flexibility
• Investigate upcoming redistricting plans
• Confirm elementary, middle, and high school assignments

Financial Considerations

• Calculate property tax differences between districts
• Factor in private school alternatives if needed
• Consider resale value implications for future moves
• Evaluate transportation costs and time commitments

The Bottom Line for Omaha Real Estate

The Missouri River’s crisp morning air, the leaves just starting to change, and back-to-school anticipation fill your Omaha home. Yes, it's that time of year again, and for many families, this transition brings a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

We're the Heim-Berg team, and as lifelong Omaha residents who've been helping families find their perfect homes in this fantastic city for decades, we've witnessed countless back-to-school seasons. We've seen the tears, the triumphs, the first-day photo sessions, and everything in between.

What we've learned over the years is that the families who approach this transition with intentionality and creativity often find that back-to-school becomes one of the most cherished times of the year.

Omaha is such a wonderfully family-friendly city, and we're blessed with incredible resources, activities, and traditions that can transform those back-to-school jitters into genuine excitement. Whether your little one is starting kindergarten at one of our excellent elementary schools or your teenager is beginning their final year at one of our outstanding high schools, there are so many ways to make this transition feel like the adventure it truly is.

One of the most powerful ways to build positive associations with the new school year is to establish a family tradition that everyone can look forward to. A tradition that’s uniquely yours. This doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive – it just needs to be something that brings your family together and marks this special time of year as something worth celebrating.

Some of our favorite Omaha families have shared their traditions with us over the years, and they're heartwarming. One family we know takes their annual back-to-school photo at the beautiful Heartland of America Park downtown, with the fountain and skyline creating a stunning backdrop that changes subtly each year as their children grow. This eight-year-long tradition has become a treasured family ritual that the kids look forward to.

Another family makes it a tradition to visit the Omaha Children's Museum on the weekend before school starts. They spend the entire day exploring, learning, and playing together, which helps reinforce that learning is fun and exciting. This fun family outing replaces stress and separation anxiety with discovery and wonder, which the kids associate with the start of school.

Consider starting a tradition that incorporates our city's amazing offerings. Perhaps it's a family bike ride along the Keystone Trail, concluding with ice cream at eCreamery, where everyone gets to choose their favorite flavor to celebrate the new year.  What about visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo, where you can explore the world's largest indoor desert or walk through the incredible aquarium, reminding your children that there's always something new and amazing to discover.

The key is consistency and making it special. When children know that something extraordinary happens every year to mark the start of the school season, they begin to anticipate September with joy rather than dread.

Let's be honest, back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming with never-ending lists and a marathon of shopping trips. So how can you transform back-to-school shopping into a fun experience of freedom and choice?

Have you ever considered flipping the script? What if you could make this an empowering experience that builds confidence and excitement for the school year ahead?

Instead of rushing through the aisles, checking items off a list, turning shopping into a series of small adventures around Omaha. Start with a special breakfast at one of our local favorites, like Brother Sebastian's Steakhouse, where you can fuel up for your shopping adventure while talking about what your child is most excited about for the new school year.

Give your children appropriate choices throughout the process. Let them choose between two pre-selected backpack options or allow them to select the color of their folders and notebooks.

For older kids, please give them a budget for specific items and let them make decisions about how to spend it. This teaches valuable life skills while making them feel invested and responsible for their school supplies.

The Old Market area offers a charming backdrop for finding that perfect first-day outfit, and you can reward your successful shopping with a treat from Ted and Wally's Ice Cream.

Make the day memorable by incorporating some of Omaha's unique shopping experiences.  Village Pointe and Westroads Mall provide excellent one-stop shopping but consider breaking up the experience with a visit to the nearby parks, where kids can burn off energy between stores.

The goal is to help your children feel like they have some control and choice in preparing for school, which builds confidence and ownership in their educational experience.

The night before and morning of the first day of school set the tone for the entire year, so why not make them magical by designing the ultimate first day send-off celebration? This is where you can really let your creativity shine and create memories that will last long after your children have graduated.

Start with a special "end-of- summer" celebration dinner. At dinner, everyone shares one favorite memory from the summer and one thing they're excited about for the new school year. This helps process the transition while building anticipation for what's ahead. Some families we know order pizza and have a movie night, while others prepare their child's favorite meal to celebrate the first day of school eve.

For the big morning, consider waking up a little earlier than necessary so you're not rushed. Put on some upbeat music while everyone gets ready and maybe surprise the kids with their favorite breakfast or something special like pancakes shaped like their grade number. The smell of something delicious cooking makes even the toughest morning feel better.

Create a photo area in your home or yard where you can capture those precious first-day memories. Many Omaha families use the beautiful mature trees in their yards as a backdrop, or if you live in one of our newer neighborhoods, the clean lines and modern architecture can create stunning photo opportunities. The key is having a designated spot that feels intentional and special.

Consider writing a small note to your child to tuck into their lunchbox or backpack. It doesn't have to be lengthy – just a simple "I'm so proud of you" or "Have an amazing day learning new things" can provide comfort during those first potentially overwhelming moments at school.

How you handle those first few days after school can make a huge difference in how your child processes and adapts to their new routine. Instead of immediately diving into homework or rushing off to the next activity, consider creating a special transition time with activities that allow for decompression and connection.

Omaha offers numerous wonderful places where families can gather after the big day. Some families we know go to Elmwood Park for an after-school picnic, so the kids can run around and share stories about their day. The playground equipment provides a natural outlet for any pent-up energy, and the open space allows for conversation to flow naturally without the pressure of formal sit-down discussions.

For families in West Omaha, Chalco Hills Recreation Area offers beautiful walking trails where you can stroll together while your child processes their day. There's something about being in nature that helps kids open up about both the exciting and challenging parts of their school experience.

Consider establishing a weekly tradition for the first month of school. Maybe it's ice cream at Culver's every Friday to celebrate making it through another week, or a Saturday morning adventure to different Omaha parks to explore your city while staying connected as a family.

The important thing is creating space and time for your children to share their experiences without pressure. Sometimes the car ride home is when the most important conversations happen, so resist the urge to fill that time with music or phone calls.

Create a personal learning environment at home to extend the school day’s excitement. Set up a designated homework space that feels special and organized. This might be a desk in their bedroom, a corner of the dining room, or even a portable caddy that can move to different locations.

The key is having supplies organized and easily accessible, good lighting, and minimal distractions. Many of the homes we've helped families purchase in Omaha have wonderful built-in desk areas or flexible spaces that can easily accommodate study areas. Your home environment is so important for reinforcing positive messages about learning and growth. This means creating spaces and routines that support and celebrate learning.

Consider creating a family reading time where everyone reads together to reinforce that reading and learning are activities your family values and that you don’t need to be at school to engage in these activities. Omaha has an excellent public library system that offers a wealth of resources for families, ranging from Storytimes for younger children to research databases for older students.

Make learning visible in your home by displaying your children's artwork, writing assignments, or projects in prominent places. I recall that my refrigerator was quite full when my kids were young. This way, they can feel valued for their academic efforts and take pride in their accomplishments. A simple bulletin board or refrigerator gallery can serve as a daily source of encouragement.

Get creative and consider how you can incorporate Omaha's educational resources into your family's routine. A couple of examples to consider are The Durham Museum, which offers incredible exhibits that can supplement what children are learning in school, and the Omaha Performing Arts series, which provides cultural experiences that broaden perspectives and inspire creativity.

As we've watched families navigate the beautiful chaos of raising children in Omaha over the years, we've noticed that the families who thrive are often those who've found the right neighborhood and home environment to support their unique needs and rhythms. Whether it's access to top-rated schools, proximity to parks and recreation, or simply having enough space for everyone to spread out and be themselves, your physical environment also becomes crucial for your family's happiness and success.

Omaha’s incredible neighborhood diversity and a wide range of housing options make it perfect for finding the fit for your family. From the historic charm of Benson and Dundee to the family-friendly newer developments in Elkhorn and Gretna, from the urban convenience of the Old Market area to the suburban tranquility of West Omaha, there's truly something for every family's lifestyle and priorities.

We've seen families transform their back-to-school routines simply by finding a home that better fits their needs. Maybe it's a house with a perfect study nook for homework time, or a yard where kids can decompress after school, or simply being in a neighborhood where children can safely walk to school and build independence.

The start of a new school year is also a perfect time to evaluate whether your current living situation is serving your family's evolving needs. As children grow and change, their space requirements often change too. That adorable toddler who shared a room with their sibling might now need their own space to focus on homework, or your teenager might benefit from a basement recreation area where they can hang out with

We'd love to help you discover what's possible for your family in this fantastic city we all call home. Contact the Heim-Berg team today at (402) 677-9024 or visit us at www.OmahaAreaLiving.com to start the conversation about your family's perfect Omaha foundation.

Are you moving to Omaha in 2023? If you have school-aged children, then you'll probably be interested in finding the best schools in the area. Omaha boasts many top-rated schools for kids of all grade levels. Niche.com has compiled their list of best schools in Omaha for 2023. Here are the top 3 schools they rated for your review.

Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School
400 N HAPPY HOLLOW BLVD
OMAHA, NE 68132

#1 Best High Schools for STEM in Nebraska
#1 Best Private High Schools in Nebraska
#1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Nebraska

Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School is a top rated, private school located in OMAHA, NE. It has 441 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1. Tuition is $19,950 for the highest grade offered. After graduation, 100% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college.

A happy parent comments: "Brownell Talbot's Points of Pride make up a comprehensive approach to moral development. Consisting of six components present throughout our school community, they promote core ethical values as the basis of good character."

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Mount Michael Benedictine High School
22520 MOUNT MICHAEL RD
ELKHORN, NE 68022

#1 Best College Prep Private High Schools in Nebraska
#1 Best Catholic High Schools in Nebraska
#1 Best Boarding High Schools in Nebraska

Mount Michael Benedictine School is a Catholic college preparatory residential/day high school rooted in Benedictine values for young men committed to excellence. Students develop spiritually, intellectually, and socially through the comprehensive curriculum and communal experience to become future leaders.

One student remarks: "Absolutely love the small student population. Really got to know all of my fellow students super well and the boarding aspect only helped in that. Amazing teachers who love their job, and I truly enjoyed going to school everyday!"

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Millard North High School
1010 S 144TH ST
OMAHA, NE 68154

#1 Best Public High Schools in Nebraska
#1 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Nebraska
#4 Best High Schools for STEM in Nebraska

Millard North High School is a top rated, public school located in OMAHA, NE. It has 2,592 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. According to state test scores, 71% of students are at least proficient in math and 75% in reading.

A Senior had this to say: "I love how diverse Millard North is. You are introduced to people of diverse backgrounds, thoughts, and experiences. Also, there are many ways to get involved and make an impact at our school. You can join many different clubs and activities to explore your passions. You can also customize your academic experience at Millard North. There are college level, honors, or standard courses here."

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With the carefree days of summer quickly coming to an end and the start of school right around the corner, it can be difficult for kids and adults alike to get back into a regular schedule. The mornings of sleeping in, playful activities and leisurely eating lunches are replaced with 6AM wake up times, lots of homework assignments and prepacking lunches. But going back to school doesn’t have to be a daunting or exhausting time for you or your kids if you plan ahead and identify some strategies to help keep your family organized during this time. Listed below are some tips and tricks on how parents can get a jump start on the school year and help with the transition in hopes to make it a good experience for everyone.

1.)  Start a “School Time” bedtime and wake-up sleep schedule for your kids a week or two before their first day back.

2.)  Create a family calendar to track commitments and activities, and set up weekly meetings to review the kids’ schedules.

3.)  Sit down with your kids and have them set goals for the new year.

4.)  Reestablish the rules for the school year with what’s allowed and when, i.e. screen time, chores, etc.

5.)  Plan out healthy, protein-rich snacks and lunches that are balanced with vegetables, fruits and other wholesome items.  

6.)  Organize clothing for the year to see what you may need to shop for before school begins.

7.)  Visit the school with your kids to get acclimated with their new setting and meet the teachers.

8.)  Review the list of books, school supplies and technology that your kids will need. Go through last years’ school supplies and buy all items that you don’t have as early as possible.

9.)  Lastly, discuss with your kids what they can expect on their first day in hopes to alleviate any anxiety about the new year. Ask them questions about what may be worrying them and talk through these issues to ensure a smooth start to the school year.