September 23, 2025

Nevada Approves Three New Charter Schools

News Summary

Nevada has approved the opening of three new charter schools for the upcoming academic year, adding over 300 new student seats. These include the Somerset Academy of Carson City, Northern Nevada Wildflower Montessori, and Kesher Academy, which will collectively support a growing number of students while concerns arise regarding their potential impact on existing school districts and enrollment rates.

Henderson, Nevada – Three new charter schools have been granted approval to open in Nevada for the 2026-27 academic year, which will provide more than 300 additional seats for students. The Nevada State Public Charter School Authority, along with the City of Henderson, sanctioned the new institutions amidst ongoing discussions concerning their impact on existing school districts and possible enrollment declines.

The newly approved charter schools include Somerset Academy of Carson City, Northern Nevada Wildflower Montessori, and Kesher Academy, a Hebrew-language immersion school. Collectively, these institutions plan to enroll a total of 316 students upon their opening, with an anticipated growth to 976 students over a six-year period.

Details on Each School

Somerset Academy of Carson City, part of the Florida-based Academica network, marks its inaugural establishment in the state capital. Initially, the school is set to welcome 152 students in kindergarten through second grade, with plans to expand to 430 students encompassing seventh grade over time.

Northern Nevada Wildflower Montessori will operate in the Reno/Sparks area, starting with 29 students in grades kindergarten through third. The school aims to grow to accommodate 171 students through sixth grade over the next six years.

Kesher Academy, focusing on Hebrew language immersion, plans to open with 125 students in grades kindergarten through second. The institution is expected to scale up to a total of 375 students from kindergarten to seventh grade by its sixth academic year.

Concerns Raised by Existing Districts

The approval of these new charter schools has sparked criticism, particularly from the Carson City School District. The district has raised concerns over the charter school authorization process, arguing that current needs are already being met and suggesting there is nothing unique about the proposed models. Additionally, Carson City School District has reported a steady decline in enrollment, dropping below 7,000 students this year with 130 fewer students compared to the previous year.

Similarly, the Washoe County School District has voiced worries about potential significant losses in student enrollment due to the introduction of new charter schools. The district believes that such losses could threaten the viability of existing schools, raising the prospect of school closures in the future.

Future Charter School Openings

In addition to the newly approved schools, the Citizens of the World charter school has been approved to open in the 2027-28 academic year in east Las Vegas. However, this application cycle saw the denial of several charter school proposals, including the Pahrump Valley Academy and Purpose Leadership Academy. Furthermore, the City of North Las Vegas has chosen not to authorize any charter schools for the upcoming year.

Oversight and Growth of Charter Schools

The Nevada State Public Charter School Authority has emerged as the second-largest local education agency within the state following its recent surpassing of the Washoe County School District. Feedback from existing school districts suggests there are ongoing concerns regarding whether these new charter institutions can adequately meet the academic and demographic needs of students.

The decision to approve new charter schools has ignited significant discussions regarding the implications for existing public educational entities and the potential enrollment declines that they could experience as a result. Stakeholders continue to evaluate the evolving landscape of educational choice in Nevada.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER

LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.

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