Relocating to Las Vegas

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Education

Learning Resources for The Entire Family

One of the highest priorities for relocating families is finding a new school for their children and providing a smooth transition so that learning can continue and new friendships can be formed. This chapter will provide a good overview to learn more about the many educational resources available in the Las Vegas area. You’ll find facts about the Clark County School District, the fifth largest in the U.S., as well as private school resources. You’ll also be impressed with the selection of higher education institutions that are detailed in this section.

Southern Nevada educational institutions and educators are providing students throughout the community with the tools necessary to succeed in the classroom today and as part of the workforce of tomorrow. Educators are aware of the need for students to be competitive in the global economy where innovation and problem solving are essential for success. The region’s educators and institutions provide educational opportunities, promote academic excellence, motivate students to excel and work to improve quality of teaching and learning by providing leadership to students from pre-K to the graduate level.

According to the Nevada State Board of Education, in order for a child to enter kindergarten, he or she must be five by September 30 and for the first grade, the child must be six by September 30. For a child to enroll in the second grade within the public schools of Nevada, the child must be seven years old by September 30 of the school year and the child must have completed kindergarten and the first grade. There are no exceptions to the age requirement except for students who became residents of Nevada after they have completed kindergarten or first grade in another state that allows an earlier attendance age than Nevada. It is noted that the Nevada Revised Statutes only define minimum age requirements for kindergarten, first grade and second grade.

The Nevada Proficiency Examination Program (NPEP) is Nevada’s system for assessing students. In 2007-2008, Nevada used the Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. Students in grades 5 and 8 were also tested in writing using the Nevada Analytic Writing Examination (NAWE). High school students took the Nevada High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) in reading, math, science and writing. Students must pass the HSPE in order to graduate. The CRT, NAWE and HSPE are standardized tests that measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Nevada. Nevada also used the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) for elementary schools and the Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED) for high schools in 2007-2008. The ITBS and ITED are norm-referenced tests that measure how students are performing compared with their peers nationwide.

Clark County School District
As the fifth largest school district in the United States, the Clark County School District (CCSD) encompasses all of Clark County, which covers 7,910 square miles and includes the metropolitan Las Vegas area, all outlying
communities and rural areas. Under state law, each of Nevada’s 17 counties has one school district responsible for K-12 education.

Clark County schools operate on nine or 12-month schedules and year-round schools organize students within one of five tracks to determine students’ calendars.

Approximately $4.9 billion will be spent through 2010 to build new schools and improve existing schools. The district opened 11 new schools in the fall of 2007 (seven elementary schools, including one replacement; three middle schools, including one replacement school and one high school).

In 2008, the school district opened ten additional schools including four new elementary schools, three replacement elementary schools, one replacement middle school, one new high school and one new Career and Technical Academy.

For students to graduate from the Clark County School District, they must complete required course work and pass the Nevada High School Proficiency exams in reading, math and writing. For the class of 2010, a science exam will be added. For students who entered ninth grade after August 1, 1999, they must earn 22 ½ credits in the following subjects:

English – 4 credits.
Math – 3 credits.
Science – 2 credits.
U.S. History – 1 credit.
U.S. Government – 1 credit.
Physical Education – 2 credits.
World History, Arts/Humanities – 1 credit.
Health – 1/2 credit.
Computers – 1/2 credit.
Electives – 7 1/2 credits.

In order to prepare students and parents for success, CCSD provides detailed curriculum overviews for elementary grades K-2; elementary grades 3-5; middle school grades 6-8; and high school grades 9-12. These can be found online at www.ccsd.net/cpd/overviews.html.

Clark County School District areas
Under the leadership of its respective superintendent, the focus of the Area Service Centers and Superintendent's Schools Division remains that of student achievement. Each service area and division provides services to schools and local school communities and serve as liaisons to central office departments and divisions as they work to ensure compliance with district, state and federal procedures, regulations and laws. Effective July 1, 2009, the Clark County School District's schools are assigned to one of the following four service areas or divisions:

Four areas:
1) Area 1
5240 Goldfield Street
N. Las Vegas, NV 89031
(702) 799-1719

2) Area 2
5708 Mountain Vista Street
Las Vegas, NV 89120
(702) 799-0880

3) Area 3
4760 W. Desert Inn Road
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 799-2640

4) Area 4
2490 Maverick Street
Las Vegas, NV 89108
(702) 799-6620

Three divisions:
1) Superintendent's Schools
2298 Vegas Valley Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89169
(702) 799-1222

2) Education Service Division
3950 South Pecos-McLeod, Suite 1-G
Las Vegas, NV 89121
(702) 855-9775

3) Student Support Services Division
5100 West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 799-5471

Clark County School District Report Card 2008-2009
Regularly-published school accountability reports contain detailed information about each school in Nevada. These reports are prepared annually in compliance with the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which requires all Nevada school districts to inform citizens about the performance of local schools. Schools use these reports to develop academic plans to improve student achievement. Accountability reports are distributed to all parents of students attending schools in the Clark County School District (CCSD). A copy of the school’s accountability report may be requested at the school site. The most recent reports can be viewed online at www.ccsd.net/schools/acc_pdfs_2009/districtAcc2008-2009.pdf.

Below are the most recent highlights available for Clark County from Nevada Annual Reports of Accountability at www.nevadareportcard.com.

In 2008-09, 190 schools made Adequate Yearly Progress, with 12 being recognized as High Achieving Schools and 7 being recognized as Exemplary Schools.
Development and adoption of the 21st Century Course of Study added a fourth year of mathematics to include at least Algebra II and a third year of science toinclude, at a minimum, Biology I.

Enrollment at UNLV has increased, with students enrolled in college remedial classes dropping to 24%.
Unilaterally, the first-time pass rates for 10th grade students on the High School Proficiency Reading Exam (HSPE) increased from 77.3% to 78.1%.
Students attending magnet schools increased from 12,005 to 14,006.
The number of Career and Technical Education (CTE) students who earned Tech Prep college credit while in high school increased, as did the number of students participating in a work-based learning activities and the number participating in CTE student organizations.
Increases in proficiency on the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) were demonstrated in 3rd through 8th grade reading and math, and both grades 5 and 8 increased in writing, 54.5% to 55.5% and 44.2% to 46.8% respectively.
Percentage of classroom instructional computers with Internet access increased to 97.4%.
District Wide Survey results indicate:

—Positive parent responses regarding high academic expectations, safe environment, and academic assistance opportunities
increased 4.5, 12.2, and 9.0 percentage points respectively from the previous year.

—92% of the 15,438 parents responded “agree” or “strongly agree” that schools assist students in developing positive
qualities, such as honesty and trustworthiness, and 91% for positive qualities such as kindness, and caring.

—90% of the schools implemented strong character education programs that included recognition and rewards for students who
demonstrated academic and behavioral achievement, improvement, and initiative.

Percent of LEP students that increased proficient in English by one level was 49.8%, while another 13% increased proficiency in English by two levels.
High school students passing a secondary foreign language Level III or IV course was 93.9%.
During the 2008-09 school year, 45,970 students were involved in clubs that that recorded 209,942 hours in community service.
104 students in grades 6, 7, and 8 competed in the Area Spelling Bee.

Parental Involvement
The Clark County School District encourages parents to be involved in their children’s education. The district understands that some parents have the time available to volunteer in a classroom or serve on committees; while others have more limited opportunities. Being involved in your children’s education at home is actually the best place to begin.

— Getting Involved In Your Child’s School
Below is a number of ways parents can be more involved at their children’s school in Clark County:

Library/Media Committee – This committee reviews library books and textbooks when concerns are expressed. Two parents at each school are chosen to serve on this committee.
School Generated Funds/Budget Committee – One parent serves on this committee at each school to help determine fund expenditures.
School Safety Committee – A parent is selected to work with this committee to help develop and implement a school safety plan.
Learning Improvement Team (LIT) – The Learning Improvement Team, with two positions for parents, develops a school improvement plan, designed to increase student learning, which is coordinated with the Professional Development Center and the Academic Council.
Parenting classes – Many schools offer classes on parenting skills. Call your school’s office or the Area Service Center for information on available classes.
PTA, PTO, PAC or other parent organizations – Many opportunities exist for parents to serve through parent organizations. Attend meetings to get involved; call your school’s office for details.
School functions – Attend special events such as open houses, parent/teacher conferences, concerts and other events. Read your school’s newsletter or bulletins or call your school’s office for information about special events.
Parent surveys – Take the time to respond to questionnaires sent to you by the principal. Surveys allow parents opportunities for input and provide valuable feedback to principals.
Classroom volunteers – Check with your child’s teacher to see how you can volunteer in the classroom. If you would like to visit your child’s classroom, please notify your principal to make arrangements.

Here are district opportunities available for parents:

Attendance Zone Advisory Commission (AZAC) – AZAC reviews attendance zones every year and provides recommendations to trustees concerning necessary changes to attendance boundaries. The 15-member committee consists of individuals from the community, appointed by the Board of School Trustees. All meetings are open to the public.
Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) – An independent 19-member body that monitors compliance with building program goals, advises the Board of School Trustees on capital bond fund construction programs and keeps the public informed. BOC members are appointed by the Board of School Trustees. The public is invited to attend these meetings.
Friends of Special Education – A support group for parents with children requiring special services. Parents who have concerns about their child’s education, IEP or services are matched with a parent volunteer from the Friends’ Network whose child has the same type of disability and who can provide direction and suggestions.
Sex Education Committee – An advisory committee, consisting of parents and community members, who advise the board concerning the content and materials to be used in classroom instruction and the recommended grade levels at which the instruction is offered.
Ad Hoc Committees – From time to time, the board creates committees with the task of studying specific concerns, such as reading or the dropout rate. Parents are often appointed by trustees to serve on these committees.
Newsletter Mailing List – Some board members send newsletters on a regular basis. If you would like to be included on a mailing list, please call the Area Service Center.

Finally, parents can also be involved through their Board of Trustees in these ways.

Parent Advisory Committees (PAC) – Each trustee organizes a PAC designed specifically to encourage communication between parents and board members. Call the Area Service Center or the School Board Office to learn about the time and location of your trustee’s PAC meetings.
Regular Board Meetings – School board meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Meetings begin at 5:30 p.m.; citizens wishing to address the board at these meetings must sign up to speak by calling (702) 799-5307 or (702) 799-5310 between 7:30 a.m. the day prior to and 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Although the public is encouraged to attend board meetings, they are also encouraged to attend the committee meetings listed above to have greater input on matters of concern to them.

ParentLink
ParentLink® is a new computer based tool that allows parents greater access to their child’s progress as well as to contact school staff via e-mail or voice message. ParentLink® can be utilized both online and by telephone and is available in English and Spanish for grades K through 12.

The 24-hour system provides up-to-date information of each student’s attendance, grade book assignments, links to teachers’ e-mail and class Web sites, announcements, cafeteria information and much more useful information. School announcements, delivered by telephone to parents, are also available to view online.

For added convenience, parents with more than one student at CCSD are able to access all of their children’s information at various schools from the same Web page.

Parents’ first-time login and password are assigned by the child’s school at the beginning of the school year. For further information and assistance please contact your child’s school directly or visit the district’s website at www.ccsd.net or call (702) 799-4433.

Supporting Achievement through the “CAP” Initiative
Whether you are a parent of school-aged children, an elementary school teacher or a high school principal, you share in the goal of seeing every CCSD student in a cap and gown on graduation day. In effort to help meet that goal, Superintendent Walt Rulffes has unveiled “Keep Your Eye on the CAP” initiative.

CAP stands for Climate, Academics and Participation. All three of these elements are areas that the school district and members of the public can focus on to improve education. CAP coincides with many of CCSD’s current objectives, which include increasing the number of graduates and increasing the quality of those graduates while decreasing the number of drop-outs and reducing the number of students taking remedial college courses following their high school graduation. “Keep Your Eye on the CAP” serves as a reminder for parents and students that education is a journey, with milestones along the way, and although there may be trials, the end reward is worth the effort.

Climate, the first portion of CAP, relates to improving the culture within CCSD and creating a welcoming atmosphere in which parents, students and teachers can work together to build a better learning environment. By allowing schools and teachers to tailor their educational approach to the needs of their students, they will create a climate that encourages and fosters achievement.

Achievement is the driving force behind the second portion of CAP academics. The seeds for academic achievement begin at the earliest levels of elementary school. Almost every study conducted about high school dropouts indicates that by the third grade it is possible to predict which students are likely to leave school without a diploma. As students advance into middle school, it becomes vital that CCSD balances the changing needs of students while also preparing them for what awaits in high school.

At the high school level, it is important that CCSD implement curriculum that increases the rigors of learning and further expands students’ post-graduate options. In recent years the school district has made positive gains in these crucial areas and as a result has seen a decrease in the dropout rate, a graduation rate increase and an increasing number of schools making Adequate Yearly Progress as outlined in the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act of 2001.

Participation is encouraged by CCSD, which means including the community in the process of improving education. At the heart of this effort is increasing parent involvement by inviting conversation and showing respect to the people who serve as education’s biggest allies.

College Preparation
CCSD supports the Career Pathway program of elective courses that prepares students for post-secondary education, their selected career goal and preparing students for the new Nevada Millennium Scholarship core requirements. In addition to the three years of mathematics and two years of science necessary to graduate with a high school standard diploma, students enrolling as freshmen in the fall of 2006 (graduating class of 2010) and each grade thereafter will be scheduled into a fourth year of mathematics, which will include Algebra II, and a third year of science, which will include Biology. The school district expects its students to be competitive in higher education and in the workforce. Although the graduation requirements for a standard diploma will not change, CCSD wants its students to be prepared to take full advantage of what the world has to offer beyond high school.

Millennium Scholarship
In 1999, the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship initiative was enacted into law by the Nevada Legislature, creating the Millennium Scholarship trust fund to be administered by the State Treasurer. The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents adopted policy guidelines for the administration of the scholarship. Interested students are encouraged to seek assistance from their high school counselors and the admissions and financial aid offices of all colleges being considered. For more detailed information regarding program requirements, please refer to the Millennium Scholarship Program Policy and Procedures of the NSHE Board of Regents at www.nevadatreasurer.gov.

Select Schools Programs
Select Schools Programs offer coursework associated with a variety of pathways leading to both careers and opportunities for higher education, such as aerospace and aviation, information technologies, performing and fine arts, communications, law preparatory, health services, travel and tourism and engineering. Students from across the District may apply to a Select School regardless of the region in which they reside.

The purpose of Select Schools is to improve student achievement, promote diversity and create an awareness of career opportunities relative to the fields of study in which students may be interested.

At the elementary level, there are no specific requirements to attend a Select School. Parents of interested students must submit applications postmarked or hand delivered to the Select Schools to which they are applying by the annually specified deadline.

At the secondary level, entrance criteria have been established for admission to most of the Select programs. Students interested in applying to a Select School should talk with their counselors or contact the specific Select

School staff to determine if there are entrance criteria for the program(s) of interest. In addition to meeting the entrance criteria for the specific program, students must submit an application on or before the application deadline. For both elementary and secondary applications, if there are more applications than there are seats available, a computerized random lottery will be utilized for student selections.

— Select Schools in Las Vegas
Elementary Schools Grades 1-5

Gilbert Magnet School of Communication and Creative Arts.
Jo Mackey Academy of Leadership and Global Communications.
Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet School.
Sandy Miller International Baccalaureate School Primary Years Program.
Walter Bracken Magnet School for Math and Science Through Technology.

Middle Schools Grade 6-8

Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Bridger Middle School.
Academy of Science and Mathematics at Hyde Park.
James Cashman Middle School Academy of Engineering Studies.
K. O. Knudson Middle School Academy of Creative Arts, Language and Technology.
Robert O. Gibson Middle School Dual Language Immersion and Leadership Academy.
Roy W. Martin Middle School International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program.

High Schools Grades 9-12

Advanced Technologies Academy
Canyon Springs High School and the Leadership and Law Preparatory Academy
Clark High School
Desert Pines High School
East Career and Technical Academy
Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts
Northwest Career and Technical Academy
Rancho High School
Southeast Career and Technical Academy
Southwest Career and Technical Academy
Valley High School
Veteran's Tribute Career and Technical Academy
West Career & Technical Academy

Additional Programs
— Special education
Children with disabilities from the ages of 3 to 21 are provided direct and support services. Quality learning experiences are provided by school teams in collaboration with family members in order to equip students with disabilities for life after school. There are a full range of options available in neighborhood schools to provide services and meet the needs of students.

— Accelerated and honors programs
For grades 3 to 5, there is a Gifted and Talented education program. Every high school offers an Honors Program that provides a highly rigorous curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, an honors or an advanced diploma.

— Other programs and outside resources
High school students are offered transitional bilingual and English-as-a-second language programs along with alternative education options that are provided by the district. Supplemental programs such as Safe and Drug Free Schools, School-to-Careers and Math and Science Enhancement are provided by outside resources to meet students’ needs. The district encourages parents to take an active part in their child’s education by joining parent organizations and helping in the classroom.

Before and After-School Programs
— Safekey
Safekey is a before and after-school program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The program was designed for children whose parents or guardians are working before or after school hours. The recreation departments of the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Clark County administer Safekey programs in conjunction with Las Vegas-area schools. At several area schools, teachers or other educators administer the program, which provides study sessions and assistance with homework. Recreational activities are also offered, including arts and crafts, theater, dance and cooking. A nutritional snack is provided daily. Most schools conduct Safekey programs before school from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and after school from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The program provides:

Safe, recreational environment.
Homework period.
Arts, crafts and games.
Special event/community events.
Nutritional snack.
Healthy lifestyles through the inclusion of 60-minutes of moderate physical activity or play per day.

Safekey Office East:
300 East Charleston Boulevard
Suite 105 (near 3rd Street)
(702) 229-2526

Safekey Office West:
1651 South Buffalo Drive
(near Oakey Boulevard)
(702) 229-3399

Safekey Health Initiative Office:
(702) 229-2883
Fitness education through partnerships with local agencies, national programs and educational institutes implementation of several other city programs include:

Batteries Included Youth Initiative: This program offers access to after-school educational activities and opportunities for youth engagement through health, safety, education and leadership components.

Mayor’s Healthy Lifestyle Initiative: Provides opportunities for a healthy and active community through a 3-Point Plan to “Get smart! Get up! and Get out!” The emphasis is on diet, nutrition, fitness and physical activity.

Diversity Initiative: Students learn to value one another as well as appreciating each person’s unique differences. For more information, visit www.parksandrec.com.

Charter Schools
Nevada’s Charter School Legislation was enacted in 1997 to provide teachers, other educational personnel, parents, legal guardians and other persons who are interested in public education in Nevada the opportunity to:

Improve the learning of students and, by extension, improve the system of public education.
Increase the opportunities for learning and for access to quality education by students.
Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods.
Establish appropriate measures for and assessments of learning achieved by students who are enrolled in charter schools.
Provide a more thorough and efficient system of accountability of the results achieved in public education in the state.
Create new professional opportunities for teachers and other educational personnel.

These schools have the potential to facilitate education reforms and develop new and creative teaching methods for the benefit of all children with different or unique learning styles.

Publicly funded, charter schools are designed to offer families an alternative to traditional public school options. They may be sponsored by the State of Nevada, a college or university within the Nevada System of Higher Education, or a local school district. Charter schools are monitored on a continuing basis, and are subject to the same laws, regulations and policies as traditional public schools.

Charter schools are public elementary, middle and/or secondary schools that are relatively autonomous schools of choice that operate under a charter or contract issued by a public entity such as a local school board or a state board of education. Individual states determine in their charter school legislation what rules must be adhered to, what rules may be waived, and what procedures must be followed to obtain a charter. In return for autonomy, charter schools are held accountable for student performance. If the goals of the school set forth in the charter are not reached, then the school’s charter may be revoked or not renewed.

For more information about charter schools in Clark County, visit the commonly asked questions page at www.ccsd.net/edservices/pdf/charterschoolfaq.pdf or contact the Office for Charter Schools Clark County School District at (702) 799-1605.

Business and Community Involvement
Through specific programs, CCSD encourages businesses and residents to be involved with CCSD schools. These programs include:

School-Community Partnership Program: This program involves local businesses and public and private groups. The program began in 1983 as a pilot program of seven schools partnered with seven businesses. Since that time, it has grown to hundreds of partnerships with programs that range from kindergarten to 12th grade, from tutorial programs to scholarships, from science activities to fine arts programs.
The Public Education Foundation: This foundation was formed with a belief that improving our public schools was too big a task for a school district to undertake alone. It was established in 1991 as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit Nevada corporation with the mission to mobilize community and global resources to support and impact public education through initiatives, programs and promising practices designed to improve student performance and advance quality educational opportunities for all children. The foundation’s solutions to the challenges of educating a growing and diverse Southern Nevada population are impacting schools and the school district at multiple levels from grassroots classroom participation to systemic reform. Its initiatives and programs empower teachers and students, reduce bureaucracy, ensure accountability, leverage resources and deliver results.
The Career and Technical Education Department: This department works with local employers who provide job shadowing experiences, mock job interviews, paid work experience, internships, community service experiences and school-based enterprises for CCSD students. There are more than 275 different courses with the CTE department.
Student to Teacher Enlistment Project Undergraduate Program (STEP UP): This program was designed to increase the number of local teachers trained and retained in Clark County. STEP UP, a nationally award-winning program, is currently available at eight comprehensive high schools and is the result of a partnership between the school district, Clark County Education Association Community Foundation, College of Southern Nevada and Nevada State College. It was founded with the belief that if an incentive could be offered to help local students attend college and perhaps even accelerate their course work, then these students would not only be more likely to pursue a career in education but would also be inclined to remain in the community in which they were raised.

Home Schooling
Among the reasons why parents decide to homeschool their children include providing an excellent education, dedicated teachers, education that can be customized to each student and the ability to provide a long-term consistent education plan. Nevada law (NRS 392.070) provides for a waiver of the compulsory attendance laws and procedures for parents/guardians to follow. More information is provided at the Nevada Department of Education website at www.doe.nv.gov/SD_Homeschooling.htm or contact the Homeschool Office of the Clark County School District at (702) 799-8630 (Ext. 323). Another helpful sources to reference is the Nevada Homeschool Network at www.nevadahomeschoolnetwork.com.

Private and Parochial Schools
Southern Nevada private schools offer parents a wide range of options. Some are strictly early learning while others educate children from pre-K through the eighth or 12th grades. Most schools are co-educational and represent various religious affiliations, including Christian, Jewish, Lutheran or are non-denominational. In general, private schools are known for the high standards they set. Teachers expect excellence from students, and students tend to live up to those expectations.

Students who attend private schools can be challenged more in academics, exposed to clearer value systems, given greater access to teachers and may simply feel safer than local public school options. Further research has shown that private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than do public high schools, private school graduates are more likely than their peers from public schools to have completed advanced-level courses in three academic subject areas and private school students are more likely than public school students to complete a bachelor’s or advanced degree by their mid-20s.

In a report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), it found that private school students scored higher on standardized tests, had more demanding graduation requirements and sent more graduates to college than public schools. The report said that students who had completed at least the eighth grade in a private school were twice as likely as other students to graduate from college as a young adult.

NCES statistics also show that students in private schools are much more likely than others to take advanced-level high school courses. Students thrive when allowed to learn in a safe and supportive environment. Joint reports by the NCES, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and a private study by the Horatio Alger Association have found that private school students are significantly more likely than others to feel safe and be safe in their schools.

The NCES reports that more than three-quarters of private school parents are “very satisfied” with their child’s school compared with less than half of parents whose children were assigned to a public school. Parents often look to private schools as an extension of the home in promoting the values they embrace, and private schools respond. A recent NCES survey found that promoting religious/spiritual life was second only to academic excellence in the goals of private school principals.

— Fast Facts About Private Schools
According to the Council for American Private Education, these are a few facts about private schools:

One in four schools is a private school.
One child in nine attends a private school.
Private schools produce an annual savings to taxpayers estimated at more than $48 billion.
Ninety percent of private high school graduates attend college, compared to 66 percent of public high school graduates.
Private school students from low socio-economic backgrounds are more than three times more likely than comparable public school students to attain a bachelor’s degree by their mid-20s, meaning that private schools contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty for their students.
Private schools are racially, ethnically and economically diverse. Twenty-three percent of private school students are students of color, and 28 percent are from families with annual incomes under $50,000.
Private secondary school students are nearly 50 percent more likely to take AP or IB courses in science and math than public school students.

A few tips to know before choosing a private school in Las Vegas include:

Parents will need to visit the campus and most likely will need to interview with the school. This will be a great opportunity for both the parents and the school to assure a good fit.
Parents will need to complete the application forms for their child to be considered a candidate.
Parents need to be prepared to have their children tested and will need to pay for those tests.
Many schools encourage a certain level of parental involvement, so parents need to clearly understand what is expected of them.

Higher Education – Colleges and Universities
Higher education institutions abound in the Las Vegas area, including two-year, four-year and business training schools to assist every type of student. Community residents understand the necessity of pursuing a degree or certificate in order to compete and excel in the workplace. As employment opportunities increase in the Las Vegas area that require more education and training, pursuing advanced learning has become a necessity. In fact, Nevada’s top five demand occupations, including elementary school teachers, general and operation managers, accountants and auditors, secondary school teaches and financial managers, all require a bachelor degree or higher.

— College of Southern Nevada (CSN)
Founded in 1971, the College of Southern Nevada is a state-supported institution of higher learning offering two-year degrees, certificates and workforce training. CSN is comprised of three main campuses and more than 20 academic and learning centers spread throughout four counties, in a 42,000-square-mile area the size of Virginia. CSN is the largest college within the Nevada System of Higher Education and America’s fourth largest single college, multi-campus community college.

During the 2008-2009 school year, CSN enrolled 54,199 students, 30,849 of which were full-time students. Enrollment is at a sharp increase over prior years, perhaps in part due to the relatively low total tuition and fees estimated at under $1,000 per semester for Nevada residents.The school offers more than 3,000 courses each semester, with more than 130 fields of study from which to choose. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene, there are more than 200 degree and certificate options. Those planning to attend a four-year college or university will find that the college offers many transferable courses to fit most every educational need.

CSN is based on three main campuses: the Charleston Campus in Las Vegas, the Cheyenne Campus in North Las Vegas and the Henderson Campus in Henderson. CSN pioneered the educational model of shared college academic and computing centers on high school campuses. These centers are located at Palo Verde, Western and Green Valley high schools. The college also offers online learning for hundreds of courses.

Among the more popular specialized programs are automotive technology, nursing, fire science technology, business management, computing and engineering technology, dental hygiene, law enforcement, hospitality, teacher education and environmental science.

In addition, CSN’s Division of Workforce and Economic Development provides planning for and implementation of business training programs in partnership with the state of Nevada’s economic development effort. Customized training is tailored to meet the needs of business and industry to help them maintain a competitive workforce. (www.csn.edu)

— University of Southern Nevada (USN)
Founded in 1999, the University of Southern Nevada (USN) is a private, non-profit higher learning institution with campuses located in Henderson and South Jordan, Utah. The university offers high-quality degree programs in pharmacy, nursing and dental. There is advanced education in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics residency, Doctor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as a Master of Business Administration degree program. Continuing education classes are also provided.

In 2004, the University initiated an MBA degree program with an emphasis on developing the management and leadership skills of health care professionals, as well as to meet the management and leadership needs of the industries.

Colleges and program highlights include:

The University of Southern Nevada offers a Doctor of Pharmacy program leading to the attainment of the PharmD degree, the entry-level degree for the profession of pharmacy. The curriculum is arranged such that students enrolled in the program can earn the PharmD degree in three years, rather than four. Students fulfill academic requirements throughout the year. The curricular schedule still allows for a variety of breaks between academic blocks and clinical rotations as well as time for limited summer and holiday vacations.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program is designed to prepare students for successful managerial, supervisory and administrative roles in any business organization. It will therefore develop managers who can deal effectively with organizational problems. The degree program is a graduate level, general management degree program, rather than a specialized one. Therefore, students develop a cross functional perspective. As a result, anyone with a prior baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited institution, regardless of discipline or profession, who is interested in administrative or leadership roles will benefit from earning the MBA degree. The curriculum is designed to provide students with information to enable them to identify, understand, critically analyze and apply problem solving skills in decision making in any organization.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare students for entry level registered nurse positions in a variety of health care settings. Graduates will use critical thinking skills for effective problem solving, decision making and independent judgment to provide culturally competent and developmentally appropriate care in the practice of nursing and to function as a member of the health care team. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX to become registered nurses.
College of Dental Medicine offers its inaugural program, postdoctoral training in Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics/Master of Business Administration Residency Program.

For more information about the University of Southern Nevada, visit www.usn.edu.

— University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV)
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a comprehensive research university of approximately 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff. Founded in 1957, UNLV offers more than 220 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs, including internationally recognized hotel administration programs, professional degrees in law, architecture and dental medicine, and leading programs in fine arts, sciences and education. UNLV is located on a 350-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in dynamic Southern Nevada. The university is classified in the category of Research Universities (high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

The University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV) offers 19 colleges and schools in disciplines including architecture, business, communications, computer science, dental medicine, education, engineering, fine arts, health and human sciences, hotel administration, law, liberal arts, nursing sciences, social work and urban affairs. It also has graduate and honors programs.

Graduate and professional programs
The Graduate College at UNLV offers nearly 120 graduate degree programs, including 36 doctoral and professional degrees. To find out more about specific programs, call 702-895-3320 or visit online at http://graduatecollege.unlv.edu/.

William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, offers both a three-year, full-time day program and four-year, part-time programs (day and evening) for the Juris Doctor degree. Entering classes have approximately 140 students. The mission of the Boyd School of Law is to prepare students for the competent and ethical practice of law. At the same time, the Boyd School of Law recognizes that the skills and knowledge acquired in the law school may be transferred easily to other fields of endeavor and that many students seek legal training for the value it may have in pursuits other than the practice of law.

The UNLV School of Dental Medicine, which accepted its Inaugural Class in August of 2002, has been designed to serve the local community and the state of Nevada in oral health care, health services, research and scholarly activities. Education of dental students will be accomplished through a competency-based curriculum with a special emphasis on biomedical sciences; professional studies; and an innovative, vertically integrated team approach for clinical instruction and delivery of patient care. The School of Dental Medicine is recruiting and employing a diverse and distinguished faculty to facilitate the program.

University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM) was established in 1969 as a two-year basic science program. It converted to a full four-year M.D. degree program in 1977 and graduated its first class of physicians trained in Nevada in 1980. The goal of the school is to graduate students who are knowledgeable, caring, skillful, responsible physicians capable of entering any specialty training program and delivering high-quality health care to the individual, the family and the community. Unique features of the UNSOM program include small class size, hands-on clinical experience beginning in the first weeks of medical school, access to top level researchers and a culture of honor and professionalism.

Recent highlights include:

UNIVERSITY

The William S. Boyd School of Law moved up 13 spots to 75 — its highest ranking ever — according to recent U.S. News & World Report’s annual national rankings of the best law schools and specialty programs. The move constitutes a 25-place improvement in the past two years for the law school, which was established just 11 years ago.
The new Greenspun Hall houses most departments and programs that are part of the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, including the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism & Media Studies. The 120,000-square-foot building, which is located on Maryland Parkway, was designed to be eligible for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold rating.

RESEARCH

Chemistry professor Dong-Chan Lee received a five-year, $484,000 early career development award from the National Science Foundation for his research related to organic solar cell optimization. This award is the highest given by the federal government to scientists and engineers beginning their careers. Lee’s award is the fourth of its kind to be given to UNLV scientists. Chemistry professor Chulsung Bae and life sciences professors Brian Hedlund and Frank Van Breukelen previously received the award.
English professor and poet Claudia Keelan received the 2008 Jerome J. Shestack Prize from the American Poetry Review for her poem “Everybody’s Autobiography.” The poem is both an elegy for her father and an attempt to understand the historical reality of America’s fuel consumption. Keelan is the director of UNLV’s nationally recognized creative writing program.

FUNDRAISING

UNLV’s $500 million Invent the Future fundraising campaign has reached 90 percent of its goal. It has raised more than $450 million in gifts and gift intentions, including more than $52 million for student scholarships and more than $266 million for UNLV’s programs and centers.

STUDENTS

More than 6,000 graduate and professional students are currently enrolled at UNLV. The university offers more than 120 graduate programs, including 38 doctoral and professional programs.
UNLV student-athletes set a new school record in fall 2008 when 45 of them earned Academic All-Mountain West Conference (MWC) honors. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one academic term while maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, and be a starter or significant contributor to their teams. Junior Jessica Walters, a journalism major who is a three-time Academic All-MWC in volleyball, topped all Rebels with a 3.96 GPA.
Mary Ehrsam received the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Undergraduate Research Fellowship following a competitive, nationwide selection process. Working with professor Duane Moser of the Desert Research Institute, she will study microbial and microalgal communities of desert aquatic systems. The fellowship provides a $4,000 student stipend as well as $1,000 to allow her to present the results of her research at the 2010 ASM General Meeting in Philadelphia.

Other Universities, Colleges and Technical Schools
— University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE)
This outreach college delivers non-degree educational programs in areas such as agriculture, children, youth and families, community development, health and nutrition, horticulture, and natural resources. The college has federal and county partners and collaborates with other groups, agencies, business and individuals. For more information about the program in Clark County, call (702) 222-3130. (www.unce.unr.edu)

— Nevada State College – Henderson
The Nevada System of Higher Education and the Nevada Legislature officially sanctioned the creation of Nevada State College (NSC) in 2001, and it first opened its doors to 176 students and 8 full-time teacher faculty in 2002. Today, NSC represents the first, four-year state college in Nevada. As of 2010, there were over 2,000 undergraduates and nearly 70 full-time faculty. Academic units include the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and the School of Nursing.

Nevada State College’s main 509-acre campus site is located in the southeast corner of Henderson, with a satellite campus located in the heart of Henderson’s Downtown District. NSC also has a presence throughout the entire state of Nevada with partnership programs at three colleges including Western Nevada Community College in Carson City, Nevada; Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno; and College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. (www.nsc.nevada.edu)

Other area colleges and professional training organizations
— Devry University
DeVry University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Students select from associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree programs within five distinguished colleges - the College of Business & Management, College of Engineering & Information Sciences, College of Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and College of Media Arts & Technology. In Las Vegas, the Devry campus is located in Henderson. (www.devry.edu)

— Las Vegas College
Las Vegas College provides a valuable education and experience to students, making them competitive in the workplace. Las Vegas College provides a curriculum that reflects the current needs of the real world, maintains close relationships with local employers and schedules classes to meet the needs of working adults. Career training offers skills, education and guidance to individuals who want to be successful in a demanding, ever-changing workplace. (www.lasvegas-college.com)

— National University
Since 1971, National University has been dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging and relevant to a diverse student population. National University offers a wide range of educational opportunities that will help students earn an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree or teaching credential. In Southern Nevada, campuses are located in Henderson and Summerlin. (www.nu.edu)

— Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degrees. In Southern Nevada, the Student Educational Center is located in Las Vegas. (www.nova.edu)

— Regis University
Regis University offers a nationally-recognized Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online or at its Nevada campus location backed by more than 130 years of Jesuit academic excellence. Regis University serves the adult student and provides flexible online and campus-based learning, five- and eight-week accelerated classes, multiple start dates per year and faculty who bring real-world theory to the classroom. (www.regis.edu)

— Sierra Nevada College (SNC)
SNC combines the liberal arts and professional preparedness through an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking and environmental, social, economic and educational sustainability. General education includes the humanities, arts, sciences and social sciences that allows for a more inclusive education and gives students historical and social perspectives on our society’s contemporary issues. In Southern Nevada, SNC’s campus is located in Henderson. (www.sierranevada.edu)

— University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix has more than 100 degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in employment areas ranging from business and technology to health care and education. Working to remove the barriers to education, Phoenix offers flexible scheduling that allows students to enroll at any time, as well as convenient learning formats that enable students to learn online at times and places they choose or learn at a nearby campus location at times that fit their schedules. In Southern Nevada, the university’s campus is located in Henderson. (www.phoenix.edu)

Vocational – Technical Schools and Other
Vocational, trade or technical schools offer students the opportunity to pursue a certificate or a two-year degree for a position in a particular field of employment, such as health sciences, accounting, IT, culinary arts and hospitality. Interested Las Vegas residents can select from a wide range of vocational choices. Many are affordable and offer payment plans or financial aid.

Academy of Hair Design: This academy is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Classes include hair designing, cutting, perming, straightning and coloring using Certified Learning in Cosmetology techniques. Salon Management techniques are covered as well. Other classes are offered in esthetics and manicuring.

Academy of Healing Arts: This academy offers specialty training in health services including medical office information technology, massage therapist, phlebotomy and medical assistant.

Art Institute of Las Vegas: This is a design, fashion, media arts and culinary arts post-secondary school that provides degrees including audio production, digital filmmaking and video production, digital photography, drafting technology and design, interior design and web design, among other specialties. Each degree program is offered on a year-round basis, on the quarter system, allowing students to continue to work uninterrupted toward graduation.

Century 21 Real Estate Academy: This academy offers classes to students who wish to become real estate professionals, including real estate associate, real estate broker, mortgage broker and continuing education classes.

Contractor’s Exam Center: This center assists new contractors with obtaining the required licenses and other requirements that may be necessary to qualify as a licensed contractor in Nevada.

Crescent School of Gaming & Bartending in Las Vegas: This school is located only a few blocks away from the Strip. Since its founding in New Orleans in 1983, Crescent Schools have placed thousands of graduates in rewarding positions throughout the gaming and hospitality industries. Classes are available days and evenings each weekday.

High-Tech Institute: High-Tech Institute is an accredited family of schools that offers career focused training programs in health care, technology, visual communication, and criminal justice. The school’s real-world career training equips you with the job skills that today’s employers expect.

Huntington Learning Center: This center was founded in 1977 and has served America’s students and families longer than any other tutoring provider. Students from the ages of five to 17 are assisted to achieve remarkable improvements in their grades, test scores and self-esteem

International Academy of Design & Technology: This academy provides academic excellence and classes in interior design, game design, graphic design and fashion design.

ITT Technical Institute: With two locations in Southern Nevada, ITT Technical Institutes are committed to helping students develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in today’s fastest growing career fields, including electronics, web development, computer programming, computer networking, computer drafting and design, criminal justice, business and health sciences.

Kaplan College, Las Vegas campus: This College offers a real-world education in a positive learning environment. Students have access to career-focused programs to prepare them for a professional position in their chosen field. Kaplan provides teaching techniques that encourage active participation in such activities as group discussions and projects, lab work, simulations, demonstrations, field trips, presentations by guest speakers and lectures.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas: This college was established in January 2003 to bring a renowned culinary curriculum to a city with a booming hospitality industry. The school represents a union of some of the finest European and North American culinary arts training programs available today. Graduates receive the coveted Le Cordon Bleu Diplôme in addition to an Associate of Occupational Science Degree.

Nevada School of the Arts: This school is dedicated to providing diverse opportunities for quality education and creative expression in the performing and visual arts to the entire community. For more than 30 years, the school has offered arts education to residents of the Las Vegas valley. The faculty includes many of southern Nevada’s most gifted music and art educators.

New Horizons Academy: These programs are devoted to the development of a healthy sense of self in every child enrolled in its programs. Programs are directed to help infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

PIMA Medical Institute: This institute provides students with medical career education for such careers as nursing. occupational therapy assistant, ophthalmic medical technician, physical therapist assistant, radiography, respiratory therapy and veterinary technician.

Protocol Etiquette School of Nevada-Las Vegas: This school provides etiquette and protocol training to businesses, schools, organizations, colleges, at-risk youth, children, teens and adults. The school’s mission is to provide contemporary etiquette and dining training of the highest quality, presented in the most professional manner.

Summerlin Dance Academy: This academy offers a wide variety of dance, from hip hop to modern, tap to jazz and many others. Classes are offered for beginning students to the advanced and competitive levels. Instructors at Summerlin Dance Academy have many years of dance and instruction experience, and students are accepted as young as two years old.

Summerlin Kumon Math & Reading Center: This center is an after-school math and reading program that unlocks the potential of children by motivating them to achieve more on their own. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses a systematic individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Kumon has 26,000 centers in 46 countries and more than four million students studying worldwide.

West Air Aviation: They offer flight training for students and licensed pilots.

Libraries
— The Las Vegas/Clark County Library
The Las Vegas/Clark County Library District (LVCCLD) is the largest library district in the Valley. Free library cards are obtained by applying online at www.lvccld.org, or by visiting your local library. Children under the age of 14 will need a parent or guardian’s signature in order to obtain a card. There are 24 LVCCLD branches in Las Vegas which supply residents with 2 million items. The selection of books available for checkout includes fiction, non-fiction, paperback and hardbound books. LVCCLD also maintains an extensive collection of music CDs and movie DVDs. The online catalog offers library patrons and extensive selection of eBooks, eMusic and eMovies available for download.

Library patrons can benefit from the wide variety of special events offered through the LVCCLD. Programs such as youth story time, book and poetry discussion groups, gallery exhibits, and film series are available at various times and locations. Computers are conveniently provided at all 24 branches. The LVCCLD provides support and assistance to Valley youth with programs such as “Homework Help.” There are two Web pages designed especially for children, the “Just for Kids” and “Teen Zone” links can be accessed through the library’s main Web page. The LVCCLD also provides senior resources including computer classes for seniors, library services for seniors, senior “Life Info Guide,” links for seniors and words on wheels.

— The Boulder City Library
A library card obtained at the Boulder City Library, located 20 miles from Las Vegas, can be used at all libraries in Clark County. The Boulder City Library maintains an extensive adult collection, featuring both fiction and non-fiction books of general interest topics. The Library also maintains a collection of non-circulating reference books and local history and interest books. This special collection is located in the Library’s Nevada room and features books with an emphasis on Hoover Dam related topics. The Boulder City library also offers a “Young People’s Library” for youths of all ages and reading levels. Additional items available for borrowing include audio books, CDs, large print books, periodicals, Spanish books, video tapes and DVDs.

Books may be borrowed without a library card at the paperback book swap. The Library asks that individuals borrow ten books or less per week. Donations of gently-used books are also accepted. The Library maintains eight computers, with Internet access, and one copy machine for public use. There are also two meeting rooms that can also be reserved. The Boulder City Library offers a children’s story time every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

— The Henderson Library District
The Henderson Library District includes five locations throughout the Henderson area. The District also has a “Book Mobile” outreach team that serves multiple locations and visits senior centers and living facilities. For a complete “Book Mobile” schedule, visit the library’s Web site at: www.mypubliclibrary.com. In addition to a large selection of books and movies, the Henderson Library District also has an extensive online digital section that offers downloadable books, audio books and a historical collection of local photos.

The District has a “Kidzone” and “Teenspot” online that offers young people homework assistance seven days a week from 3-7 p.m. In addition, the Henderson Library District offers computer classes for all skill levels at different branch locations. In 2010, The Henderson Library District held its third annual Read & Run For Your Health 5K & 1 Mile Walk (a joint presentation of the Library and the Las Vegas Running Team). All proceeds from the annual events are used to purchase books, magazines, DVD’s and audio books for the Henderson Library District.

— North Las Vegas Library District
The North Las Vegas Library district has three locations including The North Las Vegas Library, the Aliante Library and the Alexander Library. The North Las Vegas Library maintains a collection of 92,000 in its 18,000 square feet facility. The Aliante Library offers books, videos, DVDs, magazines, newspapers and public access computers. The Alexander Library opened its doors in 2009 and features a two-acre park that includes walking paths and demonstration gardens. The North Las Vegas Library District offers a variety of adult, student and children’s services as well as a full-schedule of special events and programming. More information about current services and programming is available online at www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com, under the library section.