There are many options for schooling your child in the Las Vegas valley. I get many requests about charter schools, particularly for those who are new to homeschooling and want more help or are looking for a school that can transfer cridets. Explore Academy LVS in North Las Vegas puts the emphasis on the child’s interest and learning style. I spoke with principal Gretchen Larsen about the Explore Learning model, “an educational framework based on choice that promotes student growth and responsibility while providing an individualized educational path for each student.”
Credits earned at Explore Academy can be transferred to CCSD and kids can attend part-time for math, English or other basics that they may need help with.
What is the origin of Explore Academy?
Founder Justin Baiardo had the idea to teach every subject through a real-world lens. He had noticed that in semester-long courses, students could pass without mastering all of the content. He created an engaging, real-world education that helps kids learn more at greater depth and higher mastery using the power of choice. It’s a revolutionary approach to education!
How does the charter school differ from CCSD?
Since we are an independent public charter school, we are able to create our own school model and curriculum. We must reach the same standards as any public school in Nevada, but we have autonomy in our approach. Explore uses project-based learning and seminar-style teaching to help students engage with content.
Why is this a good option for parents who are considering leaving CCSD?
We offer small class sizes, an individualized path for every student, and a small, close community. Our average class size last year was 14. If your student loves learning but is burned out on crowded classrooms filled with lectures, Explore might be a good fit.
For parents who are homeschooling or new to homeschooling and for homeschooling families that want opportunities for socialization, or would like to outsource some of the teaching (I’m looking at you, math!), Explore is an educational partner. Your student can attend part-time at Explore Academy while maintaining homeschool status. If you’re considering joining a public school, our rolling start dates and exciting flavors might be a nice transition.
How do you enroll?
Our application is live on our website, explore.academy/lvs. If you’d like to enroll under the homeschool option, please reach out to me directly to discuss logistics.
How do kids choose classes?
We provide a course catalog describing each flavor, and kids prioritize the flavors they want most. Each schedule is custom-built based on student choice. This is how does this math apply to something that exists in the real world. We call that a flavor and every single class comes with two flavors and kids choose their flavor. Last year, we had one kid who chose one flavor and one teacher and it worked out. We give kids every opportunity we have. We are making a new school. They choose the mascot and the colors. Our school day is from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and our school year follows CCSD’s pretty closely. We have early dismissal on Fridays.