Departments
We offer a college-prep curriculum in an environment that attracts serious students, where we’re all passionate about learning. Our faculty initiates change in our community — often the first to implement best practices and cutting-edge technologies.
Departments
- Campus Ministry
- Counseling
- English
- Fine Arts
- History/Social Studies
- Instructional Technology
- International Languages
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Science
- Theology
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry
About
The Campus Ministry Department at Duchesne, first and foremost, seeks to meet each student, wherever they are in their faith journey, and help them to know the loving Sacred Heart of Jesus. We hold fast to this desire that all students feel loved by all, including themselves, and know without a doubt that God loves them simply for who they are.
We strive to educate all students in the faith of the Catholic church. We take seriously the words of our foundress St. Madeleine Sophie Barat who said, “For the sake of one child, I would have founded the Society.” Thus, we see each student as a unique individual; we meet her wherever she is, and provide opportunities to start, maintain, or grow her own personal and active faith in God. We bring attention to how God may speak in the people and events of the everyday. And we humbly acknowledge that we are but small parts in the wondrous relationship that God has for each of us.
Finally, we aspire to make our students open-eyed, alert to the needs of others, generous in service, and courageous in pursuing justice. We instruct students in how to prayerfully discern, follow their conscience, and stand for what in which they believe. We help students grow in self-confidence and deal realistically with gifts and limitations… modeling that we need not grieve what talents God withheld, but rather recognize, rejoice, and use those that were given for good.
Students can find up-to-date campus ministry offerings by subscribing to the shared “Campus Ministry Calendar” with their school email account on outlook.
Retreats
As a school in the Network of the Sacred Heart we share in the mission of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, the foundress of the Religious of the Sacred Heart, as well as the five Sacred Heart Goals. The retreats at Duchesne are structured to align with these fundamental goals and identity.
In addition to the class retreats, students will also have the opportunity to participate in additional optional retreats. These retreats are determined by the level of interest.
- Freshman Retreat
- Sophomore Retreat
- Junior Retreat
- Senior Retreat
- Parent/Daughter Retreat
- Puiez (Silent) Retreat
- Saint Glass Window Retreat
- Discipleship Retreat
- Adventure Retreat
Freshman Retreat
Freshman retreat is rooted in Goal 4, “the building of community as a Christian value.” Our desire for each of our girls is that they may find, nurture, and develop a personal and active faith in God. Animated by the teachings of the Church, we firmly believe that this is best done in community. Our priority for this retreat, therefore, is to help build that community. We do this through communication activities, faith sharing, confidence building opportunities, play, and teamwork situations.
Sophomore Retreat
Sophomore retreat focuses on Goal 5, “personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.” Our hope for this retreat is that the girls leave with increased self-awareness and self-confidence, a raised awareness of what true discernment entails, and the courage to stand up for what is right. We provide the space for this by creating an environment in which the students can come to better know their teachers and themselves as multifaceted, caring, and “real” people. This is then supported by activities and discussions that invite the girls to take stock of their own lives, encounter their peers on a deeper level, and explore their God-given desires.
Junior Retreat
Junior retreat is deeply rooted in the social justice values that many of our students hold as stated in Goal 3, “a social awareness that impels to action.” Our primary hope—and goal—is that this retreat achieves both the social awareness aspect as well as the call to action. On the retreat the girls are invited, sometimes implicitly and other times explicitly, to contemplate identity, community, and ultimately the great value (and challenge) of solidarity.
Senior Retreat
Parent/Daughter Retreat
Puiez (Silent) Retreat
Named for Madeleine Sophie’s practice of plunging down into the well spring that is the Holy Spirit to fill her bucket, this overnight retreat provides a space of sacred silence for students and faculty to step back from the busy bustle of everyday life, and focus on their interior relationship with the Spirit. On this retreat students will have a significant amount of free time for prayer and reflection, as well as several meetings with spiritual directors.
Saint Glass Window Retreat
Discipleship Retreat
Adventure Retreat
Prayer, Liturgy, and Worship
Goal 1 calls us—students and teachers alike—to have a personal and active faith in God. At Duchesne, we provide a multitude of opportunities that invite and enhance all students on their spiritual journey, whatever that may be. As a Sacred Heart school, Masses and class retreats serve as the Catholic foundation for Campus Ministry and allow our entire community to pray together as one. Students are encouraged to participate as liturgical ministers including Eucharistic minister, lectors, musicians, singers, servers and ushers/greeters.
In all that we do, we strive to create avenues for young women to both develop their faith and put it into action.
Service, Justice, and Advocacy
Service is an integral component of a Sacred Heart education. The purpose of the service program is to teach students to become aware of and sensitive to justice issues. The goals of the Sacred Heart schools include the commitment to educate to a social awareness that impels to action. The aim of our service component is to give students the ongoing opportunity to feel empowered to affect the world around them and to model the teachings of Christ in their broader communities. The types of service that are appropriate for this requirement are those that benefit the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
Students are encouraged to serve those outside of their normal circles. We seek to establish in our students a genuine respect and authentic compassion for all people and the environment in which we live. Each year Duchesne students are required to volunteer in our community, serving the church, school and the marginalized in Omaha.
The required hours are as follows:
- Freshmen 10 hours
- Sophomores 15 hours
- Juniors 20 hours
- Seniors 25 hours
To explore additional volunteer opportunities in the Omaha metro area, please visit Creighton Center for Service and Justice.
Service Trips
Service is an integral component of Sacred Heart education and is actively promoted through Goal 3 “a social awareness that impels to action.” Service trips are an excellent way to integrate service and education while allowing students to gain real-world and travel experience. Duchesne offers a variety of school-sponsored service trips throughout the academic year and summer. Assistance for the costs associated with service trips is available through the Sr. Shirley Miller Travel Scholarship.
Sr. Shirley Miller Travel Scholarship:
The Sr. Shirley Miller Travel Scholarship is made available every January to assist students who want to participate in the many travel programs offered at Duchesne. Awards are given in early February and available for use on any school trip during the student’s years at Duchesne.
If you have questions about this travel scholarship contact Laura Hickman, Principal, at lhickman@duchesneacademy.org
*There may be an academic requirement if a student will miss classes
Domestic Service Trips
NETWORK SUMMER SERVICE
Current freshmen through juniors may apply for a Network summer service trip. Traditionally, over 150 Network students participate. Many service opportunities are offered such as the St. Madeleine Sophie Center in El Cajon, California; Juvenile Justice service trip in Chicago, Illinois; #projectneo in Miami, FL; Healthy Water Rebuilt NOLA in New Orleans, LA and many more. Sites vary from year to year. Length and cost of the trips vary depending on the site. Students may travel by themselves or with a small group from Duchesne if other students are accepted on the trip.
Additional information about the Network Summer Service Program can be found here.
If you have questions about this trip opportunity contact:
Mr. Scott Quinn
Service Coordinator
squinn@duchesneacademy.org
WINNEBAGO INDIAN RESERVATION
Students may apply for ten to twelve openings every spring to visit St. Augustine Mission School founded by St. Katherine Drexel in 1906 at Winnebago, Nebraska. Students stay at the school and eat with the local students throughout the trip. Duchesne students learn the history, language, and culture of the Omaha and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) tribes through the cultural liaison at St. Augustine’s.
If you have questions about this trip opportunity contact:
Mr. Eric Krakowski
Assistant Principal
ekrakowski@duchesneacademy.org
KOINONIA FARM
In the fall, students have the opportunity to visit Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia. Koinonia Farm was founded in 1942 by Clarence Jordan as a demonstration plot for the Kingdom of God, where all people, regardless of race, would be treated with dignity. Today, Koinonia Farm continues to be devoted to living out the Christian faith, promoting peace, living simply, and farming sustainably. Highlights of this trip include living and working with members of Koinonia Farm, volunteering at Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, visiting Habitat for Humanity International Village, learning about Fair-Trade at Café Campesino, a coffee roastery and coffee shop, touring the Albany Civil Rights Institute and two churches where Martin Luther King, Jr spoke, and a couple hikes to enjoy God’s beauty. This trip offers plenty of opportunities for students to grow in their faith, live out social justice, and learn more about American History.
If you have any questions about this trip opportunity, contact:
Mrs. Sara McConnell
Theology Teacher
smcconnell@duchesneacademy.org
International Service Trips
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC) in the Dominican Republic is an “international, Christian, Ignatian-inspired, collaborative health care and educational organization that exists to promote the integral well-being and spiritual growth of all its participants.” (Creighton.edu) Each year, 12 young women from Duchesne spend the fall semester raising money to do a service project in one of the campos. The spring semester is spent preparing for the trip: building community, learning about the history and current issues in the Dominican Republic and preparing spiritually. Preparation also includes an overnight retreat. Students then spend two weeks in the Dominican Republic learning about the country firsthand and completing their service project. The highlight of the trip is the five days spent in the campo, a complete immersion experience to complete their service project and live with Dominican families. Traveling to the Dominican Republic through ILAC provides experience for the girls that help develop their spirituality, their appreciation for the lifestyle we lead in the United States, and a commitment to a social awareness which impels to action.
If you have questions about this trip opportunity contact:
Mrs. Frances Swanson
College Counselor
fswanson@duchesneacademy.org
MEXICO
Every other year, Duchesne students join Sacred Heart students from Stuart Hall and Convent of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco and Sacred Heart in Atherton. They travel to Mexico for a five-day service experience in Mexico City, Cholula, and Puebla. Community Links International co-sponsors this trip.
If you have questions about this trip opportunity contact:
Mr. TJ Mullaney
Theology Teacher
tmullaney@duchesneacademy.org
AFRICA
The Uganda service trip occurs every other year. Students visit Sacred Heart schools and convents, as well as the motherhouse for the Kenya-Uganda province and the novitiate. Experiencing the common spirituality that ties us together within the international network of Sacred Heart is a powerful reinforcement to our own spirituality. The spiritual dimension of the trip to Uganda includes a retreat prior to departure as well as a retreat at the end of the trip. The girls are constantly reminded that they are Christ’s hands and feet and are there to live as Ugandans to experience the world through their eyes. Once students return to Duchesne, they share their experiences with the rest of the community.
If you have questions about this trip opportunity contact:
Mrs. Katie Risch Bakhit
V.P. of Advancement
kbakhit@duchesneacademy.org
Counseling
Counseling
- About
- Academic Counseling
- College Counseling
- Personal/Social Counseling
- Wellness
- Mental Health Program
About
Duchesne is firmly committed to the growth and development of its students. The counselor to student ratio at Duchesne averages 1:100, less than half the suggested ratio of the American School Counselor Association.
Acknowledging that adolescence is a period of substantial growth in all areas, Duchesne offers students access to a counselor in each of the guidance domains.
Additionally, your daughter will have a faculty advisor who will help her plan her course of study and provide encouragement throughout her four years at Duchesne. Duchesne students can also rely on upper-class students for encouragement through our Nests and Peer Facilitating programs. The Nests program ensures each freshman and transfer student has group, consisting of members from each class, on whom she can rely to help her find her classes and feel at home on campus.
Academic Counseling
Students at Duchesne Academy are encouraged to become independent learners who are self-aware and able to express their academic needs. Most academic support is provided through classroom differentiation and personal attention from faculty. Students make appointments to see their teachers during free periods, break, lunch, before school, and after school. When additional support is necessary, the Academic Counselor will assist in determining a course of action.
The Academic Counselor:
- Assists students in identifying their learning strengths
- Coordinates NHS Peer Tutoring program
- Helps students interpret standardized test results
- Offers strategies for academic success
- Supports students with learning needs
- Teaches study skills in Freshman Seminar
- Works with students individually and in groups
For more information contact:
Molly Atherton
Academic Counselor
matherton@duchesneacademy.org
402.810.9942
College Counseling
The College Counseling Program at Duchesne is rooted in Goal V of the Sacred Heart Goals– Personal Growth in an Atmosphere of Wise Freedom. It is of the utmost importance that students lead their college search, making decisions about where they go and taking ownership of their admission and scholarship applications.
The department’s ultimate goal is to find a school for every student that will set her up for success. There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States! Keep in mind that means there are probably several schools that will be a good match. The Duchesne philosophy is to encourage students to have lots of options on the table and discern a school that is a good fit academically, financially and personally.
The college counselor visits with students during freshman and sophomore class meetings to discuss standardized testing and answer questions about planning but the formal college counseling begins in Junior year and continues into Senior year. During these classes, they discuss every aspect of the college application process including scholarships and financial aid. Students will use the SCOIR platform to manage college and scholarship searches and keep track of their applications.
Here are some helpful things you can do as a parent:
- Be aware of the critical calendar and remind your daughter of pending deadlines.
- Encourage your daughter to communicate with me regularly and to visit with the college representatives when they come to Duchesne.
- Remind your daughter that she will be successful no matter which college she attends.
Please Click Here to Learn More about college counseling
Sincerely,
Frances Swanson
College Counselor
fswanson@duchesneacademy.org
402.810.9958
Personal/Social Counseling
Duchesne’s Personal Counselor provides short-term counseling in individual and small-group settings, makes referrals to appropriate school and community resources, and collaborates with families, teachers, administrators, and other school staff for student achievement and success. The Personal Counselor also
- teaches Health classes to sophomores
- trains peer-facilitators and oversees the program with freshmen
- moderates SADD club (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
- monitors wellness trends among teenage girls and identifies necessary interventions for the Duchesne students
- maintains relationships with support services in the Omaha metro area to help families connect with needed services
- acts as liaison with Catholic Charities therapists offering on-site services to Duchesne students
For more information contact:
Krissy Walsh
Guidance Counselor
kwalsh@duchesneacademy.org
402.810.9942
Wellness
Duchesne Academy actively listens to the needs of our students who have expressed the need for student wellness. The phrase “wellness” has taken on a cultural significance in the past few years. Many adults agree that in today's fast-paced lifestyle, it is easy to place our own emotional, physical, and spiritual needs on the back burner. The young women in our school are no different. They too feel the pull of academic demands, tight schedules and deadlines, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and the ever-present pull of technology. We take our young women’s health seriously, and we want them to as well. To that end, several initiatives have begun at Duchesne. Some ways we are teaching our students to care for themselves include:
- An extensive Wellness Curriculum (see document)
- A culture that recognizes the need for sleep and balance in our daily lives (new bell schedule)
- A school-wide focus on communication standards to help defray conflict and learn resolution skills (see document)
- Maintaining a strong and loving school community that focuses on the needs of individuals
Mental Health Program
This message was sent to families on August 2, 2023:
Dear Duchesne Families:
Catholic Charities of Omaha, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic School Office, is excited to announce the continuation of the School Mental Health Program. This program seeks to assist schools by providing mental health services to metro and rural schools, either on-site or by telehealth.
Duchesne will continue to offer on-site mental health services through Catholic Charities Outpatient Services.
In order to begin services:
1. Please contact the guidance counseling office at Duchesne to determine if your child is eligible for the program. Mrs. Krissy Walsh can be reached at KWalsh@duchesneacademy.org or at 402-810-9953.
2. Once eligibility for the program has been determined, contact Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services at 531-213-7396 or ccbhs@ccomaha.org.
3. Ask for outpatient services with Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart.
4. Outpatient intake paperwork will be sent to your email via a secure portal. Paper copies of the intake paperwork is also available at Duchesne’s counseling office.
5. Once all paperwork has been completed and insurance has been verified, you will be notified of coverage for mental health services.
6. A therapist will reach out to schedule the initial intake session.
*Please note if cost of mental health services is a financial hardship for your family, assistance may be available on a case by case basis.
The identified time-period for service provision is August 11, 2023 through May 17, 2024. Those direct services may include individual therapy and family therapy. Education about mental health topics will be made available to school personnel. Crisis response and support will be provided as needed and requested.
At Catholic Charities, we are called to be witnesses of God’s love and mercy, and providing mental health services enables us to be instruments of hope for those suffering or in crisis. We are excited to continue our partnership with Duchense Academy of the Sacred Heart.
Humbly in His Service,
English
English
About
In an attempt to serve the college-bound student, the English Department has designed four regular courses, two accelerated Honors English courses and an AP class. The development of a graduating senior with a deep respect for intellectual values - an educated young woman who can demonstrate competence in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking - forms the focus of all English course activities.
The expected class progression is:
Grade 9: freshman literature
Grade 10: sophomore literature
Grade 11: American literature or American literature honors
Grade 12: senior literature or AP literature
Fine Arts
Fine Arts
About
Duchesne offers an inspiring array of fine arts offerings to ignite the passion and talent in every student. From visual arts, music, and dance to theater, our program nurtures artistic growth and self-expression. Through expert guidance from our dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, students delve into a world of imagination, exploration, and artistic excellence. Join us on this transformative journey, where we believe that the arts are not just an extracurricular, but an essential part of a well-rounded education.
History/Social Studies
History/Social Studies
About
The History/Social Studies Department at Duchesne Academy offers a diverse range of courses to foster a global perspective and critical thinking in students. From exploring cultures and modern history to delving into European history and U.S. politics, the department aims to promote appreciation for diversity, prepare students for college-level studies, and encourage engagement with real-world issues. Students can expect to gain a well-rounded understanding of the world and its complexities through these engaging and challenging courses.
Instructional Technology
Instructional Technology
About
The Instructional Technology Department at Duchesne Academy offers a comprehensive range of courses that aim to equip students with essential skills in computer science and design thinking. From introductory programming and robotics to advanced design projects, the department encourages creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application. Students can expect to develop technological proficiency and explore STEAM-related careers through hands-on projects and rigorous coursework.
- Digital Citizenship
- Cybersecurity
- Programming in Python
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Computer Science A
- Robotics/Advanced Robotics
- STEAM Academy 1 & 2/Advanced STEAM Academy
International Languages
International Languages
About
Two consecutive years of one language are required at Duchesne. French and Spanish are the two languages offered. During ninth grade, students choose which language they would like to pursue. Students may opt to take four years of either language at Duchesne. In-depth study of one or more languages brings the rewards of mastering a language and culture different from one’s own.
Mathematics
Mathematics
About
It is the concern of the Mathematics Department that our students:
- Know and understand mathematical processes, facts, and principles;
- Understand the logical structure of mathematics and the nature of proof;
- Perform computations with understanding, accuracy, and efficiency;
- Have the ability to solve verbal problems;
- Develop attitudes and appreciation which stem from, and which lead to, greater curiosity, initiative, confidence, and interests;
- Develop proper methods of studying mathematics and communicating mathematically;
- Develop study habits essential for independent and group work;
- And develop the ability to use and apply technology in appropriate ways.
To facilitate reaching these goals, each student is required to satisfactorily complete four years of mathematics including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and PreCollege Algebra or Precalculus (or where appropriate, a more advanced sequence of courses). When courses are ability grouped, the members of the Mathematics Department will place each student in the appropriate course dependent upon their assessment of her performance in the entrance or standardized examinations, and/or prior performance in mathematics courses.
Patterns of excessive absences and participation in the exchange program will be considered in making honors placements. All placements will be made with due consideration for the needs of the student.
Calculator Requirements:
The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.
Physical Education
Physical Education
About
The physical education requirement at Duchesne may be fulfilled by completing four semesters of general physical education/health classes. Physical education is required during all four years at Duchesne with each course being a semester long. The physical education/health program emphasizes healthy lifetime sports and also provides an aerobic dimension to its content.
- All Freshmen are required to take Freshman PE/Dance.
- All Sophomores are required to take Sophomore Health. They may also choose between Foundations for PE, Intro to Strength and Conditioning, or Athlete in Season Strength and Conditioning.
- All Juniors and Seniors may choose between Intro to Strength and Conditioning, Intermediate Strength and Conditioning, Advanced Strength and Conditioning, Athlete in Season Strength and Conditioning, Foundations of PE, Lifetime Activities, or Team Games.
Science
Science
About
The science graduation requirement is 4 credits of Science or I.T. All students are required to take Biology, Chemistry and Physics; individual waivers will be considered in consultation with the principal, department chair, and college counselor.
Offered courses include:
- Biology and Biology Honors
- Chemistry and Chemistry Honors
- Advanced Placement Chemistry
- Physics and Physics Honors
- Advanced Placement Physics/ D.E.
- Topics in Environmental and Earth Science
- Biomedical Physiology Honors
Theology
Theology
About
The Theology Department at Duchesne Academy provides diverse courses to deepen students' faith, spirituality, and social consciousness. From sacred scriptures and Catholic teachings to inter-religious dialogue and service, the department cultivates a sense of community, intellectual growth, and social awareness. Students can expect a strong theological foundation in line with Sacred Heart education.