News Summary
Quannah McCall Elementary School in North Las Vegas has proudly upgraded its rating from one star to four stars according to the Nevada Department of Education. This accomplishment highlights the exceptional leadership of Principal Amanda Lush and reflects significant academic progress, including improved test scores and reduced absenteeism. The community’s commitment to fostering parental involvement and enhancing teaching methods has played a crucial role in this transformation. As part of a broader trend, this achievement positions Quannah McCall as a beacon of hope amidst economic challenges.
North Las Vegas Celebrates Improvement in School Performance Ratings
North Las Vegas is celebrating a remarkable achievement as Quannah McCall Elementary School has successfully elevated its status from a one-star to a four-star rating in the Nevada Department of Education’s 2025-’26 School Performance Framework Star Ratings. This improvement was officially announced on September 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the school’s academic journey.
The success of Quannah McCall Elementary reflects the dedicated efforts of Principal Amanda Lush, who took charge in early 2020. Under her leadership, the school has made great strides over the past five and a half years, improving its ratings significantly. The school’s upward trajectory is attributed to enhanced performance in standardized tests for math and English language arts, alongside a notable reduction in chronic absenteeism observed during the 2024-25 school year.
Community Commitment and Academic Focus
Lush expressed pride in the school’s transformative journey during a surprise announcement to the staff, which included a celebratory launch of paper streamers. The improvements at Quannah McCall Elementary stand out amidst the broader context of the Clark County School District (CCSD), where over 130 schools experienced enhancements in their star ratings, but only 19 advanced by two or more stars.
The Nevada Department of Education assesses schools based on various criteria such as proficiency and growth in English language arts and math, overall attendance, graduation rates, opportunities for advanced coursework, and credit sufficiency. In the 2023-24 academic year, CCSD’s elementary schools recorded proficiency rates of 42.2% in English language arts and 36.7% in math, contrasting with McCall’s scores of 27.4% and 26.5% respectively.
Foundational Improvements and Family Engagement
Previously rated with two stars, Quannah McCall Elementary had met some of the state’s performance standards but had considerable room for growth. Lush attributes the school’s improvement to a return to fundamental teaching methods focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic. This shift has reinvigorated the educational approach, fostering a conducive learning environment.
In addition to academic enhancements, efforts to bolster parental involvement have been integral to the school’s progress. Glad to see the community’s supportive engagement, school counselor Gianna Rodriguez emphasizes hosting family nights and events that encourage participation, fostering a strong community atmosphere around student success. The recognition of the school’s new status is celebrated as a well-deserved acknowledgment for both students and families alike.
Statewide Educational Landscape
Statewide, the improvement in school performances is noteworthy, with 17% of schools achieving five-star ratings—up from 11.2% the previous year—and 13.5% obtaining four-star ratings compared to 10.7% last year. Other schools making notable improvements by two-star leaps include Jan Jones Blackhurst, James I. Gibson, and Ernest J. May elementary schools, alongside middle schools like Fertitta, Fremont, Garrett, and Mannion.
Superintendent Jhone Ebert acknowledged these advancements as a reflection of the dedication exhibited by educators, students, families, and administrators, coupled with substantial state investments in education. He emphasized the necessity of focusing on expanding pre-K opportunities, improving early literacy, increasing math scores, and prioritizing workforce development at the high school level.
Quannah McCall Elementary’s impressive rise to a four-star rating reflects not only academic success but also a committed community striving to improve the educational landscape and cater to students’ holistic needs. Located in an area where many families face significant economic challenges, the school’s achievements serve as an inspiring beacon of hope and determination.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Sun: McCall Elementary Community Celebrates Its Hard Work
- Wikipedia: Nevada Department of Education
- News 3 LV: Las Vegas Area Schools See Improvement in Star Ratings
- Google Search: Nevada Education Improvement
- Review Journal: Educator of the Month
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Neon Review Journal: Dentistry Pioneers Imprint on Education
- Google News: Las Vegas Schools 2025
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