Nevada Achievement School District to Add Up to Three Neighborhood Schools in 2018
Three non-profit charter school organizations have initiated the process to launch schools in the Nevada Achievement School District in the fall of 2018. All three schools intend to open as a neighborhood option for students currently attending Rising Stars Schools that are eligible for the Nevada Achievement School District.
The organizations, vetted by an independent review committee, have either demonstrated strong outcomes in other states with students with similar demographics, or are locally grown school leaders with rigorous, research-based plans.
“These non-profits have shown a strong commitment to be part of a collective solution to improving opportunities for students in some of our highest need communities.” said Steve Canavero, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The School Launch Process
In the coming months, each of the organizations may be matched with a Rising Stars School that is eligible for the Nevada Achievement School District to serve as a neighborhood option for students zoned to that school. The Nevada Achievement School District, in partnership with the State Board of Education, will narrow the list of 24 eligible schools and ultimately, match up to six eligible schools with approved organizations by February 1. An important part of the selection and matching process will be hearing from parents and families of students currently attending eligible schools. If matched, these non-profit organizations would launch schools in the 2018-19 school year and join two existing Achievement Charter Schools, Futuro Academy and Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus.
Nevada Rise Academy (Grades K-5)
Nevada Rise Academy is led by Justin Brecht, a recent Building Excellent Schools Fellow and an accomplished Nevada educator who has received multiple honors for his work with students, including the 2014 Las Vegas Review-Journal Educator of the Year award. Through rigorous curriculum, high-quality instruction, and intentional character development, Nevada Rise Academy’s mission is to place every kindergarten through 5th grade student on a path to college, and ensure all students have access to life’s fullest opportunities.
“As a product of the Las Vegas education system, I joined the board for the opportunity to give back to the community by making an impact in the lives of our valley’s youth” said Steven JT Washington, Vice Chair of the Nevada Rise Board. “I am proud to be a part of a board committed to changing the future of our valley’s children by providing them with a quality education”
For more information, visit the Nevada Rise Website.
Nevada Prep Charter School (Grades 5-8)
The mission of Nevada Preparatory Charter School is to prepare all fifth- through eighth-grade students to excel in high school, college, and life. Built on a belief that every student can succeed in school, Nevada Prep focuses on academic achievement and leadership development for all students. Nevada Prep was designed to provide the personalized supports, enriching experiences, supportive school environment, and high expectations necessary to help students realize their dreams. Because high-quality teaching is key to student achievement, Nevada Prep invests in extensive teacher coaching and professional development. Nevada Prep actively engages families as critical partners with a shared commitment to student success.
“Nevada Prep is grateful to be authorized to open a new public school in our community—the community where members of our board attended public schools, raised our own children, and built our careers,” said Nevada Prep Board Chair, Paola Gonzalez. “We know middle school is a crucial formative time for young people, and we are excited to work hard, along with families, school staff, and our community partners, to create an expanded middle school that prepares all our students to thrive in high school and the rest of their lives”
For more information, visit the Nevada Prep Website.
Urban Prep Academy – Las Vegas (Grades 9-12)
Opened in 2006, Urban Prep Academies operates the country’s first network of charter public schools for boys. The mission of Urban Prep is to provide a comprehensive, high-quality college preparatory education to young men that results in graduates succeeding in college. Urban Prep currently operates three schools where approximately 85% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch and all are boys and young men of color. Urban Prep is nationally renowned for consistently achieving a 100% college acceptance rate for all its graduates and for exceeding national data for the demographic it serves in myriad metrics including high school graduation, college enrollment, college persistence and college completion.
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring our model to Nevada and humbled by the level of community interest in and support of our work,” said Urban Prep founder & CEO Tim King.
For more information, visit the Urban Prep Website.