The Forward-Thinking High School

2810 N. 118th Street
Omaha, NE 68164
402-403-1267
omaha@questforward.academy

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About Us

Students should be active in and excited about their learning. School is the journey that leads to their futures. Quest Forward Academy challenges them, equipping them with the tools they will need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Combining rigorous academics with a solid framework of real-life, valuable skills, Quest Forward Academy is demanding, exciting, engaging—anything but boring.

2017

Founded

20

Staff

94

Students

2

Counselors

A student smiles while examining a world map.

Small and Mighty

Small class sizes, typically about 16 students, allow for active, project-based learning, personalization geared toward interests and goals, ample opportunities to accelerate, and the attention each student deserves from a mentor. The school is growing toward a target of 200 students, with 50 students per grade.

Part of a Global Network

Quest Forward Academy Omaha is part of a global network of schools that offer Quest Forward Learning to their students. Built on a common vision for quality education and a shared course of study, each Quest Forward Academy is committed to rigorous academics, active learning, and personal growth.

“After one semester at the school our boys are all smiles. They come home animated about what they are learning and both have experienced growth and successes. Our sons are inquisitive young men, challenged daily by their mentors to put their best foot forward. The mentors have high expectations and through encouragement and compassion they look forward to school everyday.”

– Parents of two Quest Forward Academy Students

A Truly Unique High School Experience

While operating independently, Quest Forward Academy students have access to world-class resources on the Bellevue University Campus:

  • State-of-the-art science laboratory
  • University library and media
  • Makerspaces and art studios
  • …and more!

 

Seamless Transition To College

Seamless Transition To College

From their first moment at Quest Forward Academy, students learn to feel at home on a university campus, making the graduation leap to college nearly seamless.

While many high schools claim “college readiness,” few can offer the confidence imparted by 4 years of learning on a university campus with peers and mentors.

 

Meet the Staff

Michael T. Brown

Director
B.A. Education
M.A. Education 7-12 Principal
M.A. Education PK-8 Principal
Specialist Degree School Superintendent
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Sarah Earnest, Counselor at Quest Forward Academy Omaha

Sarah Earnest

Director of Student and Family Services; Certified School Counselor
BA, Secondary Education
M.S. School Counseling
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Ed Vogel

Director of Mentoring, English Mentor
B.S. Secondary Education
M.A. English
M.F.A. Writing
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Catherine Dempsey

Science Mentor, Mentor Coach
B.S. Resource Geology
M.S. Geology
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Katelyn Andersen

Director of Recruiting and Marketing (Admissions)
B.A. in Kinesiology and Psychology
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Chris Heiman

Science Mentor
B.S. Physical Science Education
M.S. Educational Psychology
M.S. Instructional Technology
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Nikky Holliday

Director of Registration

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Austin Evans

Office/Operations Manager
B.A. English
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Ryan Lee

Science Mentor

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Gertrude Makgabenyana

Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator, School Counselor
B.A. General Psychology
B.A. Mass Media
B.A. Communication Theories
M.A. Clinical Psychology
PLMHP
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Randal Miller

Art Mentor
B.S. General Studies
B.S. K-12 Art Education
M.S. Secondary Education
M.S. in Education
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Lucas Rencher

Social Science & English Mentor
B.S. Organizational Science
M.A.T Secondary English
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Rachel Rencher

English Mentor
B.S. Psychology
B.S. Organizational Science
M.A,T Secondary English
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Jessica Simmons

Interventionist, Science Mentor

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Angela Reed

Internship Coordinator, Activity Director, Junior Swarm Coordinator
B.A. Journalism.
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Michael Anderson

Math Mentor
B.A. Mathematics
M.S. Mathematics Teaching
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Eryn Surprenant

Math Mentor
B.S. Mathematics
B.S. Secondary Ed
M.A. Teachers of Mathematics
Licensed 7-12 Mathematics
K-12 I.T.L
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Della Schnelker

Social Science Mentor
B.A. Secondary Social Science Education
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Teresa Thomas

Teresa Thomas

Manger, Pathways Program
B.S. Business Administration
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CURIOUS ABOUT TEACHING HERE?

Check out our open positions and apply.

A student looks into a microscope at Quest Forward Academy Omaha.

A School Year that Makes Sense

The academic year consists of:

  • Four terms, eight to nine weeks each
  • Two-week fall Intersession
  • Three-week winter Intersession
  • Two-week spring Intersession

This schedule enables innovative, personalized programming for students. The Intersessions provide opportunities for:

  • Intensive work in electives
  • Internships or work experiences
  • Independent projects
  • A change of pace from the core academic content

A five-week Summer Session is also offered. The Summer Session provides students with opportunities to catch up in courses, as well as new opportunities for service learning, internships, project work, and electives.

Days with Structure and Flexibility

During the regular terms, each class meets 5 times every 2 weeks. In addition to regular class meetings, students also have:

  • Planning periods
  • Open quest time
  • One hour each day for electives and project work, which allows students to receive additional support

School lets out after morning classes every other Friday to provide time for professional development of staff and for students to engage in independent work.

Students also have regular opportunities for field trips and other exploratory projects in the surrounding community.

A Typical Day

  • 7:30 a.m.: Academy opens. Students work on projects, enjoy breakfast, and get ready for the day.   
  • 8:20 a.m.: Classes Begin
  • 12:00 p.m.: Lunch
  • 3:50 p.m.: Classes end as well as additional work time and mentor support.
IT'S ALL WITHIN REACH

A Quest Forward Academy education may be more attainable than you think. Our scholarship program ensures that qualified students, regardless of finances, can attend Quest Forward Academy.

Upcoming Events

Open House

May 11 2023, 5:30pm - 7pm

Get to know the forward-thinking high school, our welcoming community, and our unique approach to learning and find out if it’s the perfect place for your student to thrive!

Register

Graduation!

May 20 2023, 12pm - 4pm

Save the date! We can’t wait to celebrate our class of 2023 as they enter their next chapter of their lives, and share gratitude to the staff and mentors who helped prepare them with skills, knowledge, and confidence.

Get a One-on-One Virtual Tour

Take a personalized virtual tour when it’s convenient for you, tailored to what you are most interested in learning about. Contact an admissions counselor today to schedule.

Contact Admissions

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