ACADEMICS
Pius X Catholic High School in Lincoln, Nebraska offers more than 100 courses across 14 academic departments. Students choose from college preparatory, Advanced Placement (AP), dual-credit, fine arts and vocational tracks, all grounded in a Catholic intellectual tradition that integrates faith with scholarship.
Our academic program serves approximately 1,100 students from the greater Lincoln area and surrounding communities. The school is fully accredited by Cognia and affiliated with the Diocese of Lincoln.
What courses are available at Pius X High School?
Pius X organizes its curriculum into 14 departments:
- Art: studio art, photography, digital media, and yearbook
- Business: accounting, marketing, personal finance, and entrepreneurship
- English: composition, literature, AP Language, and AP Literature
- Family & Consumer Sciences: child development, culinary arts, and life skills
- Industrial Technology: woodworking, drafting, and applied technology
- International Languages: Spanish, French, and Latin
- Math: from Algebra I through AP Calculus BC and AP Statistics
- Music: band, orchestra, choir, show choir, and more
- Physical Education: fitness, health, and lifetime sports
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics
- Social Studies: World Geography, World History, AP Human Geography, U.S. History, AP U.S. History, American Government, AP American Government, Economics, Contemporary History
- Speech, Drama & Forensics: public speaking, and theater
- Theology: required each year; integrates Catholic teaching with ethics, Scripture, and service
Advance Placement (AP) Courses
Pius X offers Advanced Placement courses in multiple departments, giving students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. AP exams are administered each May. Students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams may receive college credit, depending on the receiving institution’s policy.
Dual Credit Courses
Pius X students can earn college credit in select courses taught on campus by Pius X faculty. Dual-credit courses allow students to simultaneously fulfill high school graduation requirements and accumulate transferable college credits — often at a lower cost than paying tuition after graduation.
Grade Scale
Grades are awarded on the following scale:
Percent Grade Points
A+ 99-100
A 95-98
A- 93-34
B+ 91-92
B 87-90
B- 85-86
C+ 83-84
C 79-82
C- 77-78
D+ 75-76
D 72-74
D- 70-71
F- Below 70
Graduation Requirements
Theology – 40 credits
English – 40 credits
Social Studies – 35 credits
Math – 30 credits
Science – 30 credits
Speech – 5 credits
P.E. – 15 credits
Fine Arts – 5 credits
Life Skills – 5 credits
Credits and Grading
Each semester course earns 5 credits. The school operates on a two-semester calendar with approximately 90 days per semester. The school day is divided into eight 45-minute periods.
Official Transcript
An official Pius X transcript is a copy of the student’s confidential, cumulative scholarship record. The transcript carries the raised school seal along with the date of issuance and the signature of a school official. Authorized recipients of a transcript may not release any information unless they have obtained prior written consent of the parent or an 18-year-old student.
Programs to help students
Pius X offers structured support programs to help every student succeed academically and personally.
ABLE (Acquiring and Building Learning Excellence) assists students who need additional academic support. The ABLE program provides learning strategies, tutoring resources, and individualized guidance to help students meet graduation requirements and build confidence in the classroom.
SCIP (School Community Intervention Program) identifies and supports students facing substance use challenges or other personal difficulties. SCIP connects students and families with counseling, resources, and a compassionate school community. Learn more about SCIP →
The Counseling Center works alongside teachers and administrators to plan four-year academic paths, support college preparation, and address personal and social needs throughout a student’s time at Pius X. Visit the Counseling Center →
Frequently Asked Questions About Pius X Academics
Does Pius X High School offer AP classes?
Yes. Pius X offers more than a dozen Advanced Placement courses across math, science, English, social studies, and music. AP exams are taken each May and qualifying scores can earn college credit at most universities.
Does Pius X offer dual-credit courses for college credit?
Yes. Pius X offers dual-credit courses taught by Pius X faculty on campus. Students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, allowing them to enter college with credits already completed.
How many courses does Pius X offer?
Pius X offers more than 100 courses across 14 academic departments, ranging from core required subjects to electives in the arts, technology, international languages, and vocational areas.
Is theology required at Pius X High School?
Yes. As a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Lincoln, Pius X requires all students to take theology each year. Students complete 40 theology credits over four years, integrating Catholic faith, Scripture, ethics, and service into their education.
What is the class schedule at Pius X?
Pius X operates on a traditional eight-period schedule. Each period is 45 minutes long. The school year is divided into two semesters of approximately 90 days each. Students typically take six to eight classes per semester.
Does Pius X have support for students with learning challenges?
Yes. The ABLE program (Acquiring and Building Learning Excellence) provides academic support, learning strategies, and tutoring for students who need additional help. The Counseling Center and Student Support Services also coordinate individualized assistance.
Is Pius X High School accredited?
Yes. Pius X is accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED/NCA) and is a member school of the Diocese of Lincoln. The school has maintained continuous accreditation throughout its history.
How do I request an official transcript from Pius X?
Official Pius X transcripts carry the school’s raised seal and the signature of a school official. Transcript requests can be made through the school’s Counseling Center. Transcripts are released only with written consent from a parent or from students who are 18 or older.