Empowering Students at Heartland School

Heartland School is a specialized Level III educational program committed to supporting students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Through a low student-to-staff ratio and a deeply individualized approach, we create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment that empowers students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

A Vision Realized

Heartland School was born from the visionary leadership of George Spilker, Special Education Director of Papillion-La Vista School District, and Dick Schoonover, Special Education Director of Bellevue Public Schools. Their mission: to build a private, therapeutic learning environment that would serve emotionally disturbed and behaviorally disordered students—while maintaining the collaborative spirit of public education.

Our Journey: From One Classroom to a Regional Resource

Founded in 1987 as the Midlands Level III Program under the Heartland Foundation, Heartland School began with a single classroom and teacher located inside Midlands Hospital in Papillion, Nebraska. By 1990, the program relocated to downtown Ralston, and in 1995, it was officially renamed Heartland Foundation dba Heartland School.

In 2005, the school moved into its current location at 5731 S. 108th Street in Omaha, where it now serves approximately 50 students from school districts across eastern Nebraska.

Leadership, Growth, and a Clear Path Forward

Since 2012, Heartland School has been led by Director and Principal Mary Quiroz, whose leadership has brought significant growth and continued excellence. Today, our multidisciplinary team includes:

• 6 certified teaching staff
• Para-educators
• Licensed social workers and counselors
• A dedicated administrative team, including the Director/Principal, Assistant Principal, and Administrative Secretary



Together, we remain committed to fostering academic success, emotional resilience, and lifelong growth in every student we serve.