Las Vegas Schools
The Clark County School District (CCSD) has placed a strong emphasis on education, and, today, the CCSD continues to win national recognition for its programs. Current enrollment is 280,834+ students. The Clark County School District services Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Indian Springs, Mesquite, Laughlin and Searchlight, as well as all rural areas in the county. It is the 5th largest school district in the nation according to Educational Research Service, with 186 elementary schools, 48 middle schools, 38 high schools, 23 alternative schools and 6 special schools for a total of 301 schools and growing rapidly.
Children between the ages of 6 and 17 years old are required by Nevada law to attend school. Under a new state law, to enter first grade, a child must either attend a state-approved kindergarten program or pass a development test. Picking the right school for your child is of utmost importance. From kindergarten through college graduation in Las Vegas, here are some valuable tips and needed information for every parent and student.
ENROLLMENT - Children must be five years old on or before September 30 to enroll in kindergarten in the Clark County School District. When enrolling your child in school, you must have two forms of proof of residence (utility bill, lease or rent receipt, sale contract) child's identification (original certified birth certificate, passport or certified birth card) and immunization records. If you have previous school records showing placement in any special classes or programs, a recent report card showing the name and address of their former school, their most recent achievement test scores and/or any information about special health conditions will expedite the enrollment process and ensure proper placement.
IMMUNIZATIONS - Painful as it may be, all school-age children must be up to date on all of their immunizations in order to enroll in Las Vegas area schools. Kindergartners need five DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) vaccinations, four Polio vaccinations and two MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccinations. For students new to Nevada schools (whether entering school for the first time, or transferring from another state), the requirements are:
Two Hepatitis A Shots (2nd does must be given at least 6 months after the 1st dose.),
Three Hepatitis B Shots (Must have a minimum of four months between 1st and 3rd does.), and
Chickenpox (Varicella) shots (2nd shot only required if 1st shot given after the age of 13 years. Minimum of two months spacing between shots required.)
The Health Department also offers Hepatitis A and Chicken Pox vaccinations for a $15 administration fee. Parents of all school-age children can take advantage of these two opportunities anytime, not just during the back-to-school rush. Matriculating college freshman also need to make sure to get Tetanus and MMR boosters.
SPECIAL LAS VEGAS SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The Clark county School District offers a wide range of specialized programs to meet the diverse needs of its student body. Bilingual and English as second language programs are available, as well as reinforced reading, gifted and talented programs. Every high school has an honors program and offers Advanced Placement classes. Valley and Green Valley High Schools also offer International Baccalaureate classes, which give students the opportunity to receive both high school and college credit for elective courses taken on the CCSN campus.
Seventeen magnet programs are offered in addition to the regular curriculum including a performing arts high school, international studies, travel and tourism, math, science and communications and aerospace technology.
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