School has seen much success over last six years with graduation rate at 98.42 percent
HENDERSON, Nev. – Nevada State High School has seen increasing success in the Las Vegas Valley over the past six years, growing from a few dozen students to close to 300. During a time of budget cuts in the public school system and parents’ difficulties affording a private education as well as college tuition, NSHS is proving to be the answer for many high school students striving for more out of their high school education.
On March 19, the school’s charter will be reviewed by the Nevada State Board of Education. All charter schools are reviewed for charter renewal every six years.
The Nevada State Board of Education along with members of the education community in Nevada will convene at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 19, in Carson City to discuss the renewal. Nevada State High School’s leaders will attend the meeting via teleconference at the Department of Education – located at 9890 South Maryland Parkway in the second floor conference room in Las Vegas.
“Nevada State High School has been doing great things in the community for the last six years, and we’re confident that the charter will be renewed,” said Dr. Wendi Hawk, Nevada State High School’s principal who was instrumental in getting the institution up and running.
Nevada State High School’s educational program is unique, relying heavily on a student’s drive and putting a strong focus on preparing for education post-high school. The system in place at Nevada State High School is designed to increase student achievement while being held more accountable for the its overall school performance.
Current sophomores and juniors enrolled at Clark County public and private schools are eligible to apply to NSHS to begin classes fall 2010. Once accepted into the school, NSHS works with students on their college curriculum and personally enrolls students into college courses that work together with their respective CCSD high school coursework in order for students to receive dual credit for both high school and college courses. NSHS also works with students to keep them active in their zoned high school’s extracurricular activities to ensure that students don’t miss out on traditional high school experiences.
The model has proven efficient, as NSHS’s graduation rate is 98.42 percent, which is almost unheard of in any state. Additionally, its Adequate Yearly Progress designation, which is determined by the Nevada Department of Education, is “Continuing Exemplary,” a new designation awarded to “Exemplary” schools, which have maintained high achievement for more than one year.
Hawk, along with Dr. John Hawk, executive director for Nevada State High School, members of the community and superintendent Keith Rheault, will attend the teleconference.
Since opening its doors, NSHS has graduated more than 300 students. For more information on Nevada State High School call 702-953-2600 or visit www.earlycollegenv.com.