Posted 6:07 PM by Susan Darst Williams

MUST-SEE: MILLARD CORE ACADEMY

The only public school in Omaha with systematic, intensive, explicit phonics, plus a good math program, and the excellent Core Knowledge cultural literacy curriculum, is having an open house at 7 p.m. Monday.

It'd be a great place for parents of 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds to come and see, and then compare with other public and private options when it comes time to start their child in school.

The Millard Core Academy is within Willa Cather Elementary School, 3030 S. 139th Plaza east of the Oak View Mall. For nine years, it has been an innovative and successful alternative offered by the Millard Public Schools. It's everything kids need to become excellent learners, and it doesn't cost Millard taxpayers a dime extra.

Right now, there are two classrooms available for K-5 pupils, but you have to be a Millard resident. Others can option in if there's space. But there usually isn't. There are waiting lists for every grade level except fifth grade, and word has it that a lot of teachers have their children enrolled there, or on the waiting lists.

Ask to speak to instructional facilitator Jean Howard and she'll roll out the red carpet.

Thanks to Ms. Howard and to Marty Stacy of KCRO for an informative show on Core Academy Thursday on the station, 660 AM.