By Nettie H.
Francis
School days, school days, good old golden rule days…” As summer turns to fall, the smell of new pencils and the anticipation of colorful classrooms and invigorating teachers turn our thoughts to school. Moving to Las Vegas seven years ago, the education of my children was foremost on my mind. I often read the local newspaper to familiarize myself with the city. Unfortunately, one of

the first newspapers I read headlined the story of an elementary school which had just experienced an unfortunate shooting. I thought to myself, “I’ll send my child to any school in the Las Vegas Valley, except that one!” However, when we purchased our home, we discovered that our son was zoned to attend kindergarten at the undesirable elementary school! Friendly ward members assured us that the school had wonderful teachers and the shooting had been an isolated incident. Thankfully, they were right, and our family enjoyed several very successful years at that school.

Educating our children is one of the great responsibilities—and challenges—of parenting. Fortunately, Las Vegas offers a wide variety of educational choices for families. Parents can make one choice as a family, or individual choices for each child’s needs.

Following are some of the options parents have, with pros and cons of each and personal thoughts from families who have chosen those educational routes. While I do not intend to give a comprehensive accounting of each and every educational choice, I hope this information will be helpful to families and parents as we make personal educational choices for our children.

Choice #1: Public School

Megan Riggs, who graduated with honors from Western High School in May of ’09, loved attending public schools close to her home because they were “convenient and gave you the opportunity to mingle with a variety of people.”
She also enjoyed the different levels of learning offered at her high school, such as A.P., Honors, and Regular classes.

PROS: Children can often walk or ride bikes to school; no tuition costs; parental involvement is encouraged but not required; families mingle with other neighborhood children; lots of extracurricular opportunities.
CONS: Larger class sizes; may have lower levels of academic achievement and behavioral expectations, curriculum determined by the school district may restrict individual student’s progress.

Choice #2: Magnet School

District magnet schools are still part of the public school district, yet focus on specific areas of learning.

Jolynn Norton prefers Mabel Hoggard Elementary and Hyde Park Academy magnet schools because, “they have more to offer than a regular school,” and she feels they give her kids an “extra advantage” in their education.

PROS: Students attend school with children who have similar educational interests, such as math, performing arts, science, etc.; more focused curriculum; higher standards of behavior, attendance and parental involvement; no tuition costs; bus transportation available. CONS: Bus travel may be long for students; enrollment is often based on a lottery “chance” system rather than actual achievement standards; siblings may or may not attend with each other, and therefore put a strain on the family juggling transportation and schedules.

Choice #3: Public Charter School

Odyssey Charter School (Clark County School District) and Nevada Virtual Academy (State of Nevada) are both public charter school options available to students who choose to study at home. Both provide state approved curriculum to families who enroll. Qualified teachers visit homes on a weekly basis and meet with parents and students to assist and assess the student’s education.

Megan and Lindsey Fossum enrolled in Odyssey Charter School as junior high students. Their mom, Lisa, loved the fact that the “curriculum was already planned out and the schedule was completely flexible.” Another plus was the great teacher who came to their house once a week.

PROS: Students advance at their own pace; little peer pressure; flexible schedule; teacher support; group activities available; no cost to the family. CONS: May be less social involvement; higher level of self-motivation and involvement required by student and parents; limited extra-curricular activities.

Choice #4: Private School

Las Vegas offers many private school options. PROS: Generally, higher standard of academic achievement and behavior required; small class size; may have advanced opportunities for students. CONS: Tuition costs; required parental commitments (fundraising, specific volunteer hours, etc.); transportation is generally a parental responsibility.

Choice #5: LDS Private School

Two LDS-owned private schools are available in Las Vegas. American Heritage Academy and Cumorah Academy both offer an LDS approach to learning.
Carey Roper loves having her daughter at Cumorah Academy because, “I know that Christ is spoken of with reverence, parents are given respect and love for our country is instilled. I feel very fortunate to have this option in Las Vegas.”

Another mother, Christine Fales, adds, “I like the faith-based curriculum where science is taught from a Christian perspective and reading texts are about people who exercise faith.”

PROS: Christian/LDS based education; high academic and behavioral standards; small class size; association with students and teachers who share similar values; comparatively lower tuition costs. CONS: Tuition costs; transportation challenges; fewer extra-curricular and fine arts opportunities.

Choice #6: Home School

Sarah Jones, mother of four daughters, loves home schooling because, “We’ve been able to connect with so many amazing families! There is a world of educational possibilities and options that a few years ago I didn’t even know existed. One of my great desires for my girls is to build strong, loving friendships with each other. Home schooling helps us accomplish that.”

PROS: Children are taught and mentored by parents and siblings; schedules are flexible; children can pursue education at their own speed and may pursue other interests not available in formal school settings. CONS: May be fewer extra-curricular and social opportunities; children may perform below grade level; high level of commitment required by the parents and children.

“The Glory of God is Intelligence,” (D&C 93:36). Thankfully, Las Vegas offers many options to families as they pursue the very personal yet holy quest of education.