HENDERSON (KTNV) — Henderson City Council approved a second city-overseen charter school during a special meeting Wednesday, adding to a growing list of alternative education options for local families.
WATCH | Ryan Ketcham has the details:
Nexus Charter School will be a tuition-free middle and high school in east Henderson, set to open next fall. It will launch with grades 6 through 9 and expand one grade level per year until it reaches 12th grade.
The school's approach to learning sets it apart from traditional models.
"Student progress is based substantially on demonstrated mastery rather than on the more traditional passage of instructional time," said Henderson charter school sponsoring officer Mike Dang.
The approval follows a 2023 state bill that allowed cities to serve as authorizers for charter schools. Kesher Academy, which opened this year, was the first school to operate under that framework in Henderson.
Nexus Charter School will be the second.
Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero signaled earlier this week that more city-overseen charter schools could be on the way during an interview I had with her on Monday.
"So should we expect more maybe in the near future? I think so," Romero said.
Local residents have responded positively to the expansion of school choices. Josephine Mendoza, whose children attended charter schools, said the options benefit families.
"I think it's awesome," Mendoza said.
Mendoza's daughter attended charter schools from elementary through high school, and she believes the model works.
"Parents have a lot more choices," Mendoza said.
Local dad and coach Jaycee McLaurin also welcomed the additional options, pointing to smaller class sizes as a key benefit.
"Just because the classroom sizes are smaller. They get more individual teaching with the teacher," McLaurin said.
McLaurin does believe the Clark County School District still holds an edge when it comes to college preparation, however.
"They get a little bit more college-ready with the CCSD schools the way they have the academics in place," McLaurin said.
He also mentions CCSD schools prepare children more with extracurricular activities like organized sports.
Nexus Charter School and Kesher Academy are not the only new charter schools that were interested in operating under Henderson's oversight. Others have applied.
We will continue to follow all the latest with charter schools in the city and we'll show you if more options come.
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