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As Las Vegas continues to grow and diversify, childcare 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 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 are also creating an environment for continued future advancement.

The importance of education is reflected in the rapid growth of the region’s elementary and secondary schools. The 7,900-square mile Clark County School District is the 5th largest in the nation, with nearly 300,000 elementary and secondary students in 328 schools.

The 2006-07 school year began with 11 new schools in place – 1 alternative (special needs), 6 elementary, 2 middle and 2 high schools (one of which was a “replacement” for an existing facility).

Child Care
Before their children are even born, parents begin researching the different options available for child care. With so many dual-income families, parents in Las Vegas generally look at a couple of different options. Nannies are a popular method of child care, as are Montessori schools, church sponsored Mother’s Day Out programs and traditional day cares. When choosing a Montessori school, parents need to make sure that they understand and agree with that school’s teaching methods, because each school may be a little different.

The state mandates that all-day child care centers post menus and notify parents of communicable diseases. All facilities must meet minimum standards established for the protection of the children receiving care. Licensed day care centers in Las Vegas must have annual fire marshal inspections and monthly fire drills. Full-time employees must be certified in CPR and first aid.

Child care centers offer parents a convenient, flexible option.  Parents consider this option because they believe that larger groups, multiple caregivers and state inspections make programs safer for their children and make the arrangement more dependable. They may also respect the reputation of the child care program or the institution sponsoring the program.

Family child care providers offer care for children in the provider's home, creating a more flexible environment for the child. In a family home in Nevada, not more than four of the children may be less than 2 years of age, and not more than two of the children may be less than 1 year of age.

Parents who choose this option want to keep their children in a home-like environment. They prefer to relate to a single caregiver and believe that children are healthier, happier and more secure in smaller groups. Some parents like having all their children in the same group, or trust what they learned about the provider from friends. Sometimes they choose family child care because they find it closer to home, less expensive or more flexible.

In-home caregivers provide care for children in the child's home. This includes live-in and live-out nannies and housekeepers. Parents choose in-home care because they believe their children will be safer and more secure in their own home, and parents feel they have more control over the kind of care their children will receive.

Some parents find in-home care is a more convenient arrangement for the family and may provide more flexibility. If there are several children involved, they may find that in-home care is not significantly more expensive than other forms of care.
Care provided by relatives, friends and neighbors is often called "Kith and Kin" care and can take place in the caregiver's home or in the child's home. Sometimes parents arrange to work different shifts, so that one parent is always available to care for the children.

Many states do not regulate care provided by relatives, friends and neighbors.

Parents who use this kind of care consider themselves lucky to have a relative, friend or neighbor care for their children. They believe that these caregivers will provide warmer, more loving care for the child and that the child will be more secure. Many parents believe that relatives, friends and neighbors will be more likely to share their values, and they feel more comfortable entrusting their children to them. Sometimes parents use this type of care because their schedules, budgets or transportation methods limit their other child care options.

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.

Selecting the Right Child Care Facility
In selecting the right child care facility, parents are encouraged to ask questions, including asking about the adult-to-child ratio. According to Child Care Aware (CCA), a non-profit initiative committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources, the fewer the children for each adult, the better for your child.

Babies require an adult-to-child ratio of no more than 1:4 (one adult for four infants); while four-year-olds can do well with a ratio of 1:10 (one adult for 10 children). The CCA also recommends that parents find out how many children are in the group. In general, the smaller the group, the better the care.

Other best practices recommended include asking potential caregivers about their training and education. Those with degrees and/or special training in working with children will be better able to help your child learn. Ask if the caregiver is involved in activities to improve their skills and if they attend classes and workshops.

Another key indicator is how long a caregiver has been at the child care center you’re considering. 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, experts say.
It’s also a good sign if the child care provider has been accredited by a national organization. Providers that are accredited have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements. 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.

Charter Schools
In 1997, the state legislature passed laws allowing for the formation of charter schools in the state of Nevada. Although sponsored by the local school district, charter schools maintain their own board of directors and operate independently of the district’s policies and regulations.
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) 799-5011.

Home Schooling
Home schooling offers parents another option for educating their children. The Nevada State Board of Education has approved more than 30 correspondence programs for parents to choose from. 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 Web site 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 school district regarding home schooling, call (702) 799-8642.

There are many different reasons why parents decide to home school their children. In 2003, the reasons most frequently reported by parents as being “applicable” were concerns about the school environment (e.g., safety, drugs, or negative peer pressure) (85 percent of parents); a desire to provide religious or moral instruction (72 percent); and dissatisfaction with academic instruction (68 percent). As their “most important” reason, parents most often cited concerns about the school environment and a desire to provide religious or moral instruction.

Private/Parochial Schools
The Las Vegas metropolitan area is home to more than 100 private schools. 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.

Public Schools
Nevada law requires school attendance for all children who are between the ages of 7 and 17. A child must be five years old on or before September 30 to attend kindergarten, which is part of the regular school program. A child must be six years old on or before September 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 entering ninth grade, must earn 22 1/2 credits in the following subjects:   

• English – 4 credits
• Math – 3 credits *
• Science – 2 credits
• U.S. History – 1 credit
• U.S. Government – 1 credit
• Physical Education – 2 credits **
• World History, Arts/Humanities – 1 credit ***
• Health – 1/2 credit
• Computers – 1/2 credit
• Electives – 7 1/2 credits

*  Starting with the class of 2007, math course units 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. Revised 3/07

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's web site. The most recent reports can be viewed online at http://ccsd.net/directory/regions/pdf/eastAcc2006.pdf.

Encompassing all of Clark County, the CCSD covers 7,910 square miles and includes the Las Vegas metropolitan area and all outlying and rural communities. With more than 300,000 students in 317 schools, CCSD is the fifth largest school district in the nation and is one of the area’s largest employers with more than 35,200 employees.

As of the 2006-2007 school year, the district operates 326 schools, which include:   

• 199 elementary schools (85 year-round, 114 nine-month)
• 55 middle schools
• 41 high schools (includes virtual HS)
• 31 alternative schools/special schools

The CCSD is organized into five geographic regions: Northwest, Northeast, East, Southeast and Southwest. Under the leadership of a region superintendent, each region is responsible for developing programs and services tailored to the needs of its community.

Operating one of the nation’s largest school construction and modernization programs, approximately $4.7 billion will be spent through 2008 to build new schools and improve existing schools. The district opened 10 new schools in the fall of 2006 (six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools).

The CCSD offers a wide variety of specialized programs to meet the needs of all students. These include:

–Magnet schools and programs
The district offers 17 magnet schools with emphasis on aerospace and aviation, communications, fine and performing arts, languages, law and leadership, travel and tourism, math and technology. Career and Technical Academies (CTA) are also available to students from the district. The main goal of magnet schools and CTA is to improve student achievement through the intense study of the core curriculum related to each student’s career pathway.

–Special education
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.

–Accelerated and honors programs
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.

–Other programs/outside resources
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.

Business/Community Involvement:
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 non-profit 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 over 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 experience, internships, community service experiences and school-based enterprises.
• WE CARE is a collaborative effort of the CCSD and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce that recruits the assistance of local executives in encouraging top-notch educators to Southern Nevada.
• “Attracting teachers from across the U.S. to Southern Nevada is certainly a large task for our rapidly growing community,” says Doug Geinzer of Recruiting Nevada. Geinzer chairs the WE CARE program. “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 Community College of Southern Nevada, Nevada State College and 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.

Before and After-School Programs
Safekey is a before and after-school program for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. 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 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and after school from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Colleges and Universities
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.” 

University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV)
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. The law school received  its own “moot court” in late 2006, thanks to a $3 million commitment from Joyce Mack and the Thomas family.

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.

The university recently launched a $500 million capital initiative to fund future expansion efforts. A new 640-acre campus is in the works. The proposed new facility, which would be located north of the Las Vegas Beltway between Pecos Road and Lamb Boulevard, would be double the size of the existing main campus and would be a joint venture with the College of Southern Nevada and Nevada State College. In addition to offering associate, bachelor and graduate degree programs, the new campus would also be home to a teaching center.
UNLV also provides the following:   

• The Distance Education Department, which allows students to take classes online.
• The Division of Educational Outreach, which offers the local community leisure and recreational activities, general interest classes and continuing education courses.
• The Performing Arts Center, which presents plays and other productions including shows with internationally-known performers.
• The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History, which exhibits artifacts related to Southern Nevada.

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.

–University & Community
Nevada System of Higher Education
The Nevada System of Higher Education 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 and four community colleges, including the College of Southern Nevada.

University of Nevada - Reno
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 has more than 15,000 students and more than 870 faculty members. The university 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.

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
This outreach college delivers non-degree 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.

College of Southern Nevada (CSN)
6375 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146
702-651-7300
www.csn.edu

College of Southern Nevada-Department of Admissions & Records
6375 W. Charleston Blvd. W16D
Las Vegas, NV 89146
702-651-5610
Fax: 702-651-5756
www.csn.edu

College of Southern Nevada-Division of Workforce & Economic Development
6375 W. Charleston Blvd. W32E
Las Vegas, NV 89146
702-651-7382
Fax: 702-651-7315
www.csn.edu

College of Southern Nevada-Foundation
6375 W. Charleston Blvd. Ste.W32E
Las Vegas, NV 89146
702-651-7924
Fax: 702-651-5915
www.csn.edu

College of Southern Nevada-Office of the President
6375 W. Charleston Blvd. Ste.W32E
Las Vegas, NV 89146
702-651-5600
Fax: 702-651-5001
www.csn.edu

CSN is Nevada’s largest institution of higher education and the third-largest college of its type in the nation. The college offers over 3,000 courses each semester at more than 20 convenient locations, including three main campuses and 11 learning centers across four counties and 42,000 square miles. 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 CSN 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.

CSN educates more than 70,000 students annually in over 100 areas of study featuring more than 200 degrees and certificates. Some of the more popular specialized programs include automotive technology, nursing, aviation, business, 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.

–Other area colleges and professional training organizations:
DeVry University
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 twelve concentrations, including Accounting, Finance, Hospitality Management, Human Resources Management, Project Management and Sales & 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.

Las Vegas College
This two-year institution offers comprehensive programs in the business, administrative, medical, computer and legal fields. The college recently added a second campus in Henderson. 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
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 and master’s degrees. The university also offers online certificate programs.

Nevada State College (NSC)
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
NOVA Southeastern University (NSU), based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, developed the Las Vegas Student Educational Center, which provides a variety of degree programs. Both on-site and online classes are offered. Programs include a bachelor’s 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.

Regis University
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
Sierra Nevada College’s main campus is in Incline Village, Nevada, an alpine mountain community on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. A private, independent, accredited four-year liberal arts college, the college 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.

University of Phoenix
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.

University of Southern Nevada
11 Sunset Way
Henderson, NV 89014
702-990-4433
Fax: 702-990-4435
www.usn.edu

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. The first class was admitted in April 2006.

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.

Vocational – Technical Schools/Other
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:  

• Crescent School of Gaming & Bartending- 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.
• Heritage College/Kaplan Higher Education- 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 Technical Institute- 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.
• Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts- 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.
• West Air Aviation- This flight school provides courses to attain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine and instructor ratings.
• Academy of Hair Design- 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.
• Academy of Healing Arts- Offers medical assistant, medical office information technology, massage therapist, and phlebotomy degrees to students.
• Art Institute of Las Vegas- 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.
• Century 21 Real Estate Academy- 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 pre-licensing courses in the state.
• Contractor's Exam Center, Inc.- 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.
• Freddie Spencer's High Performance Riding School- Three-time World Grand Prix champion Freddie Spencer teaches motorcycle riders of all abilities how to improve their riding skills.
• International Academy of Design & Technology- Provides programs in fashion design, interior design and visual communication (Web and computer graphics design).
• Huntington Learning Center- Provides individualized instruction to children, ages 5 to 17, in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, phonic.
• Nevada Real Estate Services/National Real Estate Institute- Provides training in real estate topics including Nevada law, real estate math and general principals. Courses are a combination of correspondence and classroom study.
• Nevada School of the Arts- Provides artistic training and tutoring for ambitious art students from ages three through senior citizens.
• New Horizons Academy- 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.
• PIMA Medical Institute- 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.
• Protocol Etiquette School of Nevada-Las Vegas- Provides etiquette and protocol training to businesses, schools, organizations, colleges, at-risk youth, children, teens and adults.
• Southwestern Theological Seminary- 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.
• Summerlin Dance Academy, LLC- Provides an extensive range of dance instruction to all ages.
• Summerlin Kumon Math & Reading Center- An after-school learning program, Kumon specializes in building skills in the areas of math, reading and study habits while increasing students’ self confidence.

Libraries

Las Vegas - Clark County Library District
833 Las Vegas Boulevard North
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 734-7323
Fax: (702) 507-3609
www.lvccld.org

The Las Vegas/Clark County Library District operates 24 branches and maintains 2 million items for check out, including the latest bestsellers, magazines, DVDs, videos, CDs and books on tape.

A variety of programs and special events take place at libraries, including author visits, film festivals, music, dance and drama. Six of the library’s urban facilities have performing arts centers.

The Las Vegas/Clark County Library was named The Gale/Library Journal’s “Library of the Year” for 2003. The award honors a North American library for its demonstrated innovation in service to the community and best use of public funds.
Computers are available at all branches, providing word processing software and access to the Internet. Five microcomputer centers provide free computer classes on subjects ranging from word processing and spreadsheet applications to desktop publishing programs. The “Just for Kids” and “Teen Zone” areas of the library’s Web site provide book lists, activity information, story time schedules and more. Teens and children who need help with schoolwork can access the Live Homework Help program, a free on-line tutoring service for students in grades 4-12.

Boulder City Library
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, non-circulating 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 Public Libraries
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.