As Las Vegas continues to grow and diversify, child care and educational opportunities are expanding as well. From high-tech public magnet schools to advanced medical skills training facilities, Southern Nevada is quickly gaining a reputation for its wide array of educational offerings. This section provides an overview of the city’s educational institutions, including valuable information about early child care, school and program profiles, private school data and enrollment information. Education, from early childhood and K-12, through graduate school, is a vital part of the community’s future. The continued growth of institutions of higher education in Southern Nevada, both in numbers and academic quality and reputation, are helping further the development of a strong, educated workforce, supporting existing local business and enhancing prospects for new job opportunities. Through collaborative efforts, many of those schools also are creating an environment for continued future advancement.
Which child care facility is right for you? It really depends upon the individual needs of your particular family. Before you begin researching your options, consider the following:
How much money do you have budgeted for your child care needs?
What child care facilities are close to your home or work? Do they operate during the hours you need care?
Some centers will accept non potty-trained children, sick care and transportation services for school-aged children, while others will not. Make sure a facility can meet all of your needs.
What type of accreditation, licensing and ongoing professional development training does a center and its caregivers provide?
Caregivers who come and go make it hard on your child. Getting used to new caregivers takes time and energy that could be spent on learning new things. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org) and the National Association for Family Child Care (www.nafcc.org) are the two largest organizations that accredit child care programs. Once you’ve selected a child care center, CCA recommends staying involved by meeting regularly with the caregiver and asking questions. You should suggest volunteering time at the center, attend your child’s birthday party, visit your child and read a book aloud and join in special events, such as field trips or other holidays. By doing some or all of these things, you’re sending a message that what your child is doing and learning is important and that you are involved. The following governmental agencies provide licensing services for child care providers, as well as referral listings for parents and guardians. These referrals do not constitute an endorsement of the facilities listed. Parents are encouraged to make personal visits and conduct their own research before selecting a facility for their child. NOTE: If a person who is not a parent, grandparent or guardian cares for even one child within the state of Nevada, that person must be a licensed child care provider. For general information on choosing a safe and healthy child care setting, visit Child Care Aware at www.childcareaware.org or call 800-424-2246. Another resource is the National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC) http://nccic.org.
(Grades K-5)
(Grades 6-8)
(Grades 9-12)
Charter schools are required to abide by state and county laws but are given a great deal of latitude in the day-to-day operation of facilities. The purpose of such alternative education is to improve education in a setting where innovation, experimentation and research are used to identify effective methods of instruction. These findings are then incorporated into traditional classroom programs. For information about charter schools in the Las Vegas metro area, contact the Clark County School District at (702) 799-1605.
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Home schooling offers parents another option for educating their children. The Nevada State Board of Education has approved more than 30 correspondence programs for which parents can choose. For information about Nevada laws and guidelines for home schooling, call the Nevada Department of Education’s home school consultant at (775) 687-9238 or view the state home schooling Website at www.doe.nv.gov/parents/homeschooling.html. Parents must file a “notice of intent to home school” form, as well as provide the district with evidence that the child is enrolled in an approved correspondence program. To contact the Clark County school district regarding home schooling, call (702) 799-8642.
Typically, private schools are owned, operated and governed independently of any government. They can be operated by religious bodies or independent boards of trustees. Private schools also receive funding primarily from nonpublic sources, including tuition payments and often other private sources, such as foundations, religious bodies, alumni or other private donors. In contrast, state and local education agencies (districts) and publicly elected or appointed school boards govern public schools. At some schools, parent/teacher organizations or similar groups also play a role. Choice is another defining characteristic of private schools: families choose private education, and private schools may choose which students to accept. In contrast, public school districts generally assign students to particular schools, and those schools usually accept all students assigned.
The Clark County School District (CCSD) operates 353 schools as of the 2009-2010 school year, serving more than 300,000 students and utilizing an operating budget of $2.2 billion. 215 Elementary schools 59 Middle schools 48 High schools (includes Virtual HS) 25 Alternative schools 8 Special schools The CCSD is organized into five geographic regions and three divisions: Northwest, Northeast, East, Southeast and Southwest, as well as Superintendent’s Schools, Student Support Services and Education Services. Under the leadership of a region superintendent, each region or division is responsible for developing programs and services tailored to the needs of the students and their community. Operating one of the nation’s largest school construction and modernization programs, approximately $4.9 billion will be spent through 2010 to build new schools and improve existing schools. Nevada law requires school attendance for all children who are between the ages of 7 and 18. A child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to attend kindergarten, which is part of the regular school program. A child must be 6 years old on or before Sept. 30 to enter first grade. State law also requires that a child must attend a state-approved kindergarten program or take a developmental assessment test to enter first grade. There are no exceptions to the age requirement except for students who became residents of Nevada after they completed kindergarten or first grade in another state. Participation and proficiency level in several state-required tests are used as the primary indicators of school, district and state-level academic achievement. Nevada’s system for assessing students is the Nevada Proficiency Examination. The exam consists of several different tests taken by students enrolled in public schools in specific grades and specific programs. To graduate from the Clark County School District, students must complete their required course work and pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Exams in reading, writing and math. A science exam will be added for the class of 2010. Students who enter ninth grade must earn 22-1/2 credits in the following subjects:
* Math course units must include at least Algebra 1 or 1H, or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B, or above. ** A maximum of one PE II waiver can be earned by participation in certain activities. *** World History satisfies the state Art/Humanities requirement 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 http://ccsd.net/directory/regions/pdf/eastAcc2006.pdf. The CCSD offers a wide variety of specialized programs to meet the needs of all students. These include:
The Clark County School District is proud to announce the CCSD 21st Century Course of Study. The program is designed to open doors for students entering the workforce, increase post-secondary educational opportunities, meet the Nevada system of higher education core requirements for admission and prepare students for the new Nevada Millennium Scholarship core requirements. The 21st Century Course of Study is in alignment with the new requirements of the Nevada Millennium Scholarship, which requires four years of mathematics, including algebra II, and three years of science, two of which must be a lab science.
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 an effort to help meet that goal, Superintendent Walt Rulffes has unveiled “Keep Your Eye on the CAP.” 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 dropouts 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 in 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, the district strives to 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 CCSD 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. NCLB requires that states implement an accountability system for school districts that evaluates whether schools are making adequate yearly progress toward the goals of the legislation. In compliance with NCLB, Nevada AYP classifications are made annually and are based on the percentage of students tested (participation), the percentage of students who score at or above the proficient level on annual statewide tests (academic achievement) and another academic indicator (other indicator): school attendance or graduation rate. Finally, CCSD is continuing to make a concerted effort to encourage participation and include the community in the process of improving education. At the heart of this effort is increasing parental involvement by inviting conversation and showing respect to the people who serve as education’s biggest allies. This includes reaching out to local businesses, elected officials and members of the general public who all benefit from an improved public education system.
Direct and support services are provided for students with disabilities ages 3 to 21. School teams collaborate with families to offer quality learning experiences and prepare students with disabilities for life after school. Neighborhood schools are the focus for providing services, and a full range of options are available to meet students’ needs.
A “Gifted and Talented” education program is offered in grades 3-5. Every high school offers an honors program that provides a highly rigorous curriculum. Students may also select from advanced placement courses or choose to earn an honors or an advanced diploma.
The district offers transitional bilingual and English as a second language (ESL) programs as well as numerous alternative education options for high school students. The district also uses outside resources to meet student needs through programs such as Safe and Drug Free Schools, School-to-Careers and Math and Science Enhancement. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education at all grade levels. Parents may assist in classrooms or participate in parent organizations, booster clubs and regional committees.
Citizens and businesses have many opportunities to become involved in CCSD schools: The School-Community Partnership Program facilitates curriculum-enhancing programs and activities for students in all grades with the help of local businesses and public and private groups. The Public Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing global and community 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 Career and Technical Education Department provides students with more than 275 different courses to help them pursue their career goals with assistance from local employers who provide job shadowing experiences, mock job interviews, paid work experiences, internships, community service experiences and school-based enterprises. “Attracting teachers from across the U.S. to Southern Nevada is certainly a large task for our community,” says Doug Geinzer of Recruiting Nevada. “However, our community and business leaders are increasingly successful in recruiting teachers by way of assisting with job placement for teacher’s families. There are so many career opportunities here and the living environment is great—it’s hard not to want to live here.” STEP UP is the product of collaboration between the Clark County Education Association Community Foundation, the Clark County School District, the College of Southern Nevada, Nevada State College and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. STEP UP is designed to identify high school juniors, largely minority students, who would like to become teachers. Students are given a scholarship for tuition and books, and the “fast track” layout of this program allows them to begin their college classes in high school and receive their teaching degrees just three years out of high school. The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is encouraging sponsorship of these future teachers.
Safekey is a before- and after-school program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The recreation departments of the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City, as well as Clark County’s recreation department, administer Safekey programs in conjunction with Las Vegas area schools. Safekey is designed for school-aged children whose parents or guardians are working before or after school hours. 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 to 8:30 a.m. and after school from 3 to 6 p.m.
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Southern Nevada offers educational, vocational and business training schools. The area is witnessing the continued growth of institutions of higher education, both in numbers and academic quality and reputation. This is helping to further develop a strong, educated workforce that can support existing local business and enhance prospects for new job opportunities. Through collaborative efforts, many of those schools also are creating an environment for continued future advancement. “Pursuing higher education is a commitment to lifelong success. I encourage all Las Vegans to take advantage of the top-quality educational opportunities we have afforded to us in Southern Nevada, encourages Maria E. Dezenberg, DeVry University Center Dean. “Regardless of one’s career aspirations, a solid education in a related field of study is the most effective investment we can make in achieving our desired goals.”
The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is Nevada’s largest institution of higher education and the fourth-largest college of its kind in the nation. The college offers more than 3,000 courses each semester at three main campuses and multiple learning centers. The college offers the opportunity for students to meet others from all over the world enjoying the benefits of truly world-class facilities. CSN offers small, comfortable class sizes at convenient locations, and you can take courses when you want — days, evenings, weekends and online. Students can pursue two- and four-year degrees, one-year certificates of completion or take individual courses for personal or career growth. 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. Popular specialized programs include 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.
University of Southern Nevada (USN) is an independent, private university that offers a Doctor of Pharmacy program and an MBA program designed to prepare students for successful managerial, supervisory and administrative roles. This university was formerly known as the Nevada College of Pharmacy. Based on the statistical data, community need and support, and consistency with the university’s overall mission, the board of trustees made the decision to start a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Graduates of the College of Nursing will be eligible to sit for the licensing exam and assume entry-level RN positions, which will help to meet the community, state and regional needs for registered nurses. USN has restructured courses into blocks, not semesters or quarters, so students can concentrate on just one subject for an entire block. Foregoing traditional letter grades, professors assess student’s competency at the end of each block via examination. This block system allows students to complete a Pharm.D degree in three years instead of four, a BSN in 18 months instead of two years, and an MBA degree in one year.
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. UNLV has added more than 100 academic programs to its roster during the past 10 years. Three specialty programs at UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law recently garnered national acclaim from U.S. News & World Report - The Lawyering Process Program, Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution and the T&M Legal Clinic all received honors. Committed to developing a synergy between itself and the community it serves, the university provides traditional and professional academic programs for a diverse student body and encourages innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching, learning and scholarship. The UNLV College of Business offers both full-time and part-time MBA programs: an MBA, a dual MBA/Master of Science in Hotel Administration; a dual MBA/JD in the William S. Boyd School of Law; a dual MBA/DMD in the School of Dental Medicine and an Executive MBA (EMBA). The EMBA offers a general management degree. Applicants to this program must have at least seven years of professional experience, at least three of which have been spent in a “decision-making” role. All programs stress excellent academic rigor and provide breadth and depth that are demanded from visionary business leaders. The College of Business is accredited by AACSB International. UNLV also provides the following:
In addition, UNLV presents numerous lectures, forums and workshops featuring nationally and internationally recognized leaders in areas ranging from conservation to politics. Many programs are open and free to the public.
The University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN) is a leader in higher education. The system is comprised of two doctoral-granting research universities (the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno), one state college (the Nevada State College of Henderson), one research institute (Desert Research Institute) and four community colleges, including the College of Southern Nevada.
With a 130-year history, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a Doctoral/Research Universities-Extensive institution, the highest ranking available by the Carnegie-Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Located on a 255-acre campus in Reno with 91 buildings, UNR offers 77 bachelor’s degree programs, 76 master’s programs and more than 40 doctoral programs. UNR has 12 schools and colleges in fields including agriculture, biotechnology and natural resources, business administration, education, engineering, human and community sciences and engineering, journalism and medicine. The university also has a graduate school and a cooperative extension college. In the past 15 years, the university’s annual sponsored projects funding has more than tripled to $110 million.
This outreach college delivers nondegree 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.
As part of one of the largest proprietary higher education systems in North America, DeVry University’s Las Vegas Center is located in Henderson. Through DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management, Southern Nevada residents have access to quality, practitioner-focused undergraduate and graduate programs in business, technology and management. Undergraduate programs in business feature 12 concentrations, including accounting, finance, hospitality management, human resources management, project management, and sales and marketing. A graduate program in public administration is also offered, as well as certificate programs in educational management, electronic commerce management, entrepreneurship, financial analysis, health services management and information security.
This two-year institution offers comprehensive programs in the business, administrative, medical, computer and legal fields. Founded in 1979, Las Vegas College is a member of Rhodes College System, a branch of Corinthian Colleges Inc., which consists of private post-secondary learning institutions throughout the nation. The college offers small classes. Faculty members are drawn from the professional community to ensure students receive “real-world” experience and education.
National University has 26 campuses in 11 major metropolitan areas, including Henderson. The university provides life-long, high-quality learning opportunities to a diverse population of adult learners. At the Henderson center, online courses are offered for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The university also offers online certificate programs.
Nevada State College (NSC) specializes in a four-year baccalaureate education. Founded in 2002, the college was established to meet the needs of students who are interested in bachelor’s degrees in much-needed professions such as nursing and education, which are two principal areas of emphasis for NSC. The college also offers other disciplines in the arts and sciences.
NOVA Southeastern University (NSU), based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., developed the Las Vegas Student Educational Center, which provides a variety of degree programs. Both on-site and online classes are offered. Programs include bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and special education; specialist in education; master’s in education and speech language pathology; and doctoral degrees in audiology, business administration and education.
Established in 1999, the Regis University-Las Vegas Campus is an extension of Regis University in Denver, which was founded in 1877. The Las Vegas Campus serves adult learners, offering bachelor’s degrees in business administration, liberal studies and elementary education. Master’s degrees are offered in business administration, liberal studies, education and education with teacher licensure. The university also boasts a teacher licensure program in elementary and secondary education for those who have a bachelor’s degree.
Sierra Nevada College’s main campus is in Incline Village, Nev., an alpine mountain community on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. A private, independent, accredited four-year liberal arts college, it offers numerous courses at satellite centers in Nevada, including a Las Vegas center. The Las Vegas campus of Sierra Nevada College offers a teacher education program.
The University of Phoenix Nevada Campus was designed for the working adult and provides an up-to-date curriculum, convenient class times and multiple locations. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas such as accounting, business, counseling, criminal justice, education, human services, management and technology. Faculty members are professionals who work in the fields they teach. Adult financial aid is available to those who qualify. The online university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in business, education, health care and technology. Students can choose from approximately 40 degree programs and continuing teacher education courses.
Northwest Learning Center –
http://www.phoenix.edu/campus-locations/nv/las-vegas-campus/northwest-learning-center.html
Southwest Learning Center -
http://www.phoenix.edu/campus-locations/nv/las-vegas-campus/southwest-learning-center.html
Las Vegas has a wide selection of specialty schools and training institutes, some of which offer degrees and others that provide certification for employment in specialty fields. Many of these schools offer scheduled payment plans, government loans, grants and Veterans Affairs benefits to make training more accessible. The following are just a few of the available alternatives:
The only accredited bartending/beverage management and casino dealing school in the nation, this school trains professional bartenders, beverage managers and casino dealers. Former students can attend a refresher course at no charge.
Offers diploma programs in pharmacy technician, computerized business administration, medical assistant, health information technician and computerized information systems. Associate degrees are offered in paralegal studies and the diploma programs.
ITT Tech’s two Southern Nevada locations provide technical training in a wide range of subjects, including computer network systems, computer and electronic engineering technology, business accounting technology, business administration and criminal justice.
This college is a partner with the 200-year-old Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, an internationally known culinary arts school. Upon completion of the 15-month training program, students receive an associate of occupational science degree in Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts.
This flight school provides courses to attain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine and instructor ratings.
This licensed and accredited beauty school prepares students for careers in the field of cosmetology. Courses are offered in cosmetology, hair designing, manicuring, esthetician and instruction.
Offers medical assistant, medical office information technology, massage therapist and phlebotomy degrees.
Offers programs in applied arts such as graphic design, interior design, culinary arts, interactive media design, media arts and animation, game arts and design and drafting technology with AutoCAD.
Students train to obtain a real estate license and prepare for a career in real estate sales. This academy is the only Century 21 Corp.-approved school that offers prelicensing courses in the state.
A contractor-owned and operated business, this center assists new contractors with obtaining the licensing and associated business requirements needed to become a licensed contractor in Nevada and Arizona.
Three-time World Grand Prix champion Freddie Spencer teaches motorcycle riders of all abilities how to improve their riding skills.
Provides programs in fashion design, interior design and visual communication (Web and computer graphics design).
Provides individualized instruction to children, ages 5 to 17, in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, and phonics.
Provides training in real estate topics including Nevada law, real estate math and general principals. Courses are a combination of correspondence and classroom study.
Provides artistic training and tutoring for ambitious art students from ages 3 through senior citizens.
For students with learning differences, this academy offers a gifted program that serves grades 1-8. A program for students with processing or focusing issues serves students in grades K-12.
Offers instruction on how to become a dental assistant, medical assistant, medical secretary, phlebotomy technician or veterinary assistant. It also offers an associate of occupational science degree in radiography.
Provides etiquette and protocol training to businesses, schools, organizations, colleges, at-risk youth, children, teens and adults.
Provides an extensive range of dance instruction to all ages.
An after-school learning program, Kumon specializes in building skills in the areas of math, reading and study habits while increasing students’ self confidence.
Provides theological education for individuals engaging in Christian ministry. Sponsored by the Southern Baptist Convention, this prestigious school is often cited as one of the best seminaries in the country.
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District operates branches valleywide and maintains 2 million items for check out, including the latest bestsellers, magazines, DVDs, CDs, audioBooks and downloadable eMedia. Library branches offer a variety of programs and special events, including author visits, film festivals, music, dance and drama. Six of the library’s urban facilities have performing arts centers. Computers are available at all branches, providing word processing software and access to the Internet. The “Just for Kids” and “Teen Zone” areas of the library’s Website provide book lists, activity information, story time schedules and more. Teens and children who need help with schoolwork can access the special Homework Help Web page, offering databases, online tutors and much more.
Located in the Adams Boulevard Community Park Complex, the Boulder City Library offers a large collection of books for adults, teens and children. The library has audio books, CDs, large print books, periodicals, videos, noncirculating reference books and Spanish books. In addition to an interlibrary loan program, the library provides access to copiers, computers and story times. The “Nevada Room” maintains a collection of local history and local interest books, with an emphasis on the building of Hoover Dam.
Henderson district libraries provide a large selection of books, special events and programs for people of all ages. Special programs include the Pittman Cybrary, which provides free computer training to young people in grades 3-8. Other special offerings include the homebound business resource library, Spanish Club, historic Henderson photos, Henderson Library Book Club, Mystery Reader’s Club and the Online Book Club. Also available are the Foreign Encounters Film Series, bestseller lists, computer literacy classes, e-mail reference service and English as a second language (ESL) classes.
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6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 641-5822 Info Center (702) 735-1616 Fax: (702) 735-0406