[Perkymum]

Hi Everyone,
My husband is being courted by a company in Vegas and we're expecting the official offer to come in March.
My parents moved there a couple of years ago so we've visited a lot. We know it's hotter than hot in the summer and cold as heck in the winter.

We have a first grader and a fifth grader. Sadly i have not heard good things about the Nevada school system and i'm trying to do as much research as i can. It seems the best options are in Summerlin. We like the area but there's just no space between homes and very small yards.
Wondering if there is another area we should look at that is family friendly, great schools and comes with a little more land. We're not looking for huge space i just would prefer not to be able to reach out my kitchen window and touch my neighbor! I hear mixed things about Henderson.

A few people have told us that charter schools are the way to go but they're all lottery based and we will not be out there until this summer. So that makes applying tricky as we are not residents yet.

Private schools could be an option if the price is right. But the whole purpose of this move is to better our situation and paying for private school for 2 kids isn't very appealing.

So i'm here to pick the brains of those of you already living there and ask for some honest, and real feedback.

Thank you!!

[BBMW]

The better schools in the Vegas metro area seem to be in the part of the city of Henderson just south of I-215. Sone developments there include Green Valley Ranch, Seven Hills, and Mcdonald Highlands.

And unless you get a custom home, which are not common, yards in Vegas tend to be small.

[Perkymum]

Thank you!

[NLVgal]

BBMW lives in New York. Not that his advice is bad.

There are websites in town that rate schools. If you want more land than Summerlin or Henderson offer, look at the area bordering the 2-15 off of Lone Mtn. Rd. and the vicinity.

For the higher grades, explore the dedicated magnet schools.

[Irish4evr]

If your kids education is really that great a stressor...you answered your own question. Magnet Schools are not tricky...it's quite cut and dried, it's a lottery. Private School tuition is what it is and easy to determine without relocating first. It's not like "Let's Make A Deal"...it's very expensive, I know, I put two kids thru Gorman !

Primary and secondary educational stats, individual student funding, class ratios etc are all readily available on line....read them !

I personally know many people who have relocated here for as many reasons as people, however never, in 35+ years ever met one with their child's education being a primary reason.

[usnftcret]

Originally Posted by NLVgal

BBMW lives in New York. Not that his advice is bad.

There are websites in town that rate schools. If you want more land than Summerlin or Henderson offer, look at the area bordering the 2-15 off of Lone Mtn. Rd. and the vicinity.

For the higher grades, explore the dedicated magnet schools.

It took us 5 years to get 2 of my 3 kids in Magnet Schools. It is all lottery based. The level of academics and expectations are much higher in the Magnet Programs. My boy in the regular middle school has been slacking lately and not very motivated. I am hoping he will get into a Magnet for high school. On the other hand, my 2 girls are thriving at their 2 different magnet schools that they attend.

[Perkymum]

Thanks Everyone.

We are not moving because of education. We have a job opportunity that is great and it means a relocation to Vegas. I have read information and statistics online but i wanted to hear from people who are in the area, currently enrolled in the Clark County school system. There's more to a school than statistics. As with neighborhoods. What might look good online could suck in reality.
We cannot afford private schools and if the magnets and charters are that impossible to get into then i need to find the best public schools i can. And that is the feedback i was hoping to get in this forum.

[Irish4evr]

Just to clarify, I was not suggesting you were relocating based solely on the educational system. However you sound like a parent that cares and a child's education is a huge part of the equation. There are some very good public schools in Clark County, and some very professional educators within same. As a parent you have to differentiate between subjective opinion (a public forum) and factual statistics that do warrant close review. This city is very fluid and what is a great school now, could be much less in three years. New schools open as population and funding allow, educators retire, relocate...

With that said, no one can really foresee what the future will hold in any one given area...they can predict odds...wealthier areas tend to attract a better educational experience.

Public education is a hot button in this town. I for one fully support a quality educational system (public or private) and know there are others here that share my view...

Unfortunately many relocate here seeking low taxes, reasonable entertainment, moderate priced housing, and 325 days of sunshine ...that does not translate to a solid based educational system.

Every comparable city of this size will have good and bad...Your child's education is a one shot deal...the ultimate choice will be yours ! If your folks relocated here two years ago...ask them ...Best of luck !

[pooh6369]

Green Valley Christian School in Henderson our son is in the 5th grade. Very reasonable in cost nurturing environment.

[Perkymum]

Thank you everyone