Clark County School District Overview

There is only one school district per county in Nevada, and each district is responsible for all public education within that county from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Clark County School District covers 7,910 square miles and official student enrollment for the 1997-98 school year was 191,698, making it the tenth largest school district in the United States. In addition to Las Vegas, areas served by the school district reach as far north as Mesquite, and as far south as Laughlin.

The district operates a total of 194 schools -- 136 elementary, 27 middle, 24 senior high schools and seven special schools. There are 39 elementary and 9 middle schools that are on a year-round attendance schedule. In 1996, voters approved bond issues that total 1.25 billion dollars and will build 41 new schools and provide improvements and additions to existing schools.

Budget

In 1997, the total budge for the Clark County School District exceeded $788 million.The state provides about 37 percent, local sales tax provides 37 percent, property taxes add 20 percent, and federal aid and other sources provide 6 percent. Per pupil expenditure in 1996 was approximately $4,389.

Academics

According to the district, students at all grade levels generally perform above the national average in reading, mathematics, and language. Traditionally, mathematics scores have been higher than reading or language scores at all levels tested. Scores of college bound students on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT) equal or exceed national averages.

Every high school offers weighted Honors Programs to provide academically challenging curriculum. In addition, all high schools offer Advanced Placement courses, and two high schools also offer International Baccalaureate classes that provide an opportunity for students to receive both high school and college credit through a testing program at the completion of the year.

To graduate, students must complete 22 - 1/2 credits in the following areas: four credits of English, two credits of math, two credits of science, two credits of physical education, one credit of arts/humanities, one credit of government, one credit of U.S. history, one-half credit of health and one-half credit of computers. The remaining 8.5 credits are used for elective courses. In most cases, one credit equals one year of study.

Special Services

The Clark County School District has services and programs to meet a wide range of special student needs. Students with disabilities have a wide range of instructional options, including specialized programs and campuses, as well as supported instruction in regular classrooms. In addition, the district provides vocational and technical training, psychological services, therapy and counseling services.

In addition, there are a number of innovative instructional programs, including bilingual and English as a second language programs, 13 magnet schools, gifted and talented education programs, anti-drug and alcohol education programs, an evening high school (Sunset High School), and Horizon High School, an alternative to the traditional high school setting that is designed to help reduce the dropout rate in the Clark County School District.

Another specialized program, the Community College High School, is located on campuses of the Community College of Southern Nevada. This program provides students an opportunity to earn high school and college credit for elective courses.

Nevada State law requires school attendance between 6 and 17 years of age. Kindergarten is part of the regular school program but is not mandatory. A child must be 5 years old on or before September 30 to attend kindergarten, and must be 6 years old on or before September 30 to enter first grade. Bus transportation is furnished for students living two or more miles from school, with the exception of kindergarten students.

To enroll your child in school...

Everything you need is at the CCSD Registration page

Where will your child go to school?
(You will need a Shockwave Flash enabled browser to see these maps)

Click here to see the CCSD Las Vegas Elementary School Zoning Map

Click here to see the CCSD Las Vegas Middle School Zoning Map

Click here to see the CCSD Las Vegas High School Zoning Map

Click here to see the CCSD Henderson Schools Zoning Map

How do I find information on the specific school my child will attend?

Go to VegasLiving main education page to access info on individual public schools.

Go to the Official CCSD Schools Profile Page

For more information...

Clark County School Distric Public Information Office is located at 4212 Eucalyptus Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89121. Office hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Go directly to the Official Clark County School District Site

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