Top private and charter schools for military kids in Las Vegas

Choosing a school is a big decision, especially when you’re managing the demands of military life. Between constant relocations, shifting schedules, and making sure your kids don’t fall behind, finding the right fit for their education is everything.

Private and charter schools often provide the consistency, flexibility, and support that military kids need. Smaller class sizes, strong academic programs (especially in STEM and college prep), and personalized attention can make all the difference during a transition.

Here are the top private and charter school options for military-connected students in Las Vegas:

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Faith Lutheran Middle & High School

Faith Lutheran Middle & High School is a private Christian school that serves grades 6 through 12. While the school is not located directly on a military base, it’s within reasonable driving distance of Nellis Air Force Base (about 30-40 minutes away). Faith Lutheran operates independently and is accredited by both AdvancED and the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation. It also holds the distinguished title of “Exemplary School.”

Location: 2015 South Hualapai Way, Las Vegas
Tuition: $16,275
Highlights:

• Around 2,000 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1
• An Academies Program that lets students dive deep into career fields like Cinematic Arts, Architecture, Molecular Genetics, Entrepreneurship, Trial Advocacy, and Flight.
• Rolling admissions, which can be a major plus for families receiving PCS orders outside of the traditional school calendar.

The Meadows School

Located around 35 minutes from Nellis Air Force Base and around 20 minutes from Creech Air Force Base’s support office in Las Vegas, The Meadows School offers a full Preschool to Grade 12 college preparatory program. From the moment students enter The Meadows—whether in the Beginning School (ages 3–5) or later in Lower (K–5), Middle (6–8), or Upper School (9–12)—they are immersed in an accelerated, multidimensional curriculum designed to prepare them for college and their professional journeys.

Location: 8601 Scholar Lane, Las Vegas
Tuition: Beginning School: $22,750, Lower School: $26,860, Middle School: $29,550, Upper School: $34,840
Highlights:

• Small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios.
• Nationally acclaimed speech and debate and robotics programs.
• The Meadows After-School ProgramS (MAPS) and competitive extracurriculars that help kids find their footing, whether they love the arts, chess, robotics, or team sports.
• Traditions like Homecoming, Spring Carnival, Lunar New Year Parade, and the beloved “Long Blue Line” senior celebration.

The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain

A private, non-profit, and non-sectarian school, The Alexander Dawson School is located on a beautiful, 33-acre campus in Summerlin. The school is roughly a 30 to 40 minute drive from Nellis Air Force Base. Dawson’s educational philosophy is centered around personalized modern learning, which means that students are met where they are developmentally and encouraged to grow through hands-on, inquiry-driven instruction.

Location: 10945 West Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas
Tuition: Early Childhood: $22,200, Kindergarten through 8th Grade: $31,100
Highlights:

• Experiential learning opportunities, such as the Richard & Malena Ruffin Organic Garden, which is also one of the largest school gardens in the Las Vegas Valley
• First and only Stanford Challenge Success partner in Nevada
• NAEYC-accredited Early Childhood program

Bishop Gorman High School

With a proud 70-year tradition and a campus located in Summerlin, Bishop Gorman combines faith-based learning, top-tier academics, and powerhouse athletics in a single dynamic community. A private and Roman Catholic school operated by the Diocese of Las Vegas, Bishop Gorman is also around 30 to 40 minutes from Nellis Air Force Base.

The school operates on a modified block schedule. Incoming freshmen take a placement exam to help counselors design a personalized course plan, which is ideal for students transferring from different states or school systems due to PCS orders.

Location: 5959 South Hualapai Way, Las Vegas
Tuition: $16,200 (regular tuition rate), $14,800 (Catholic Parishioner rate)
Highlights:

• An impressive, 98% college-bound rate.
• Three distinct academic tracks: College Prep, Honors, and Scholars.
• More than 105 total state championships across sports.
• Just in football alone, the Gaels have claimed national championships in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2023, along with more than a dozen Nevada state championships.

TOP CHARTER SCHOOLS

Coral Academy of Sciences (Nellis Air Force Base Campus)

Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (CASLV) is one of the top school choices in the area. With multiple campuses—including one located directly on Nellis Air Force Base—CASLV is not only accessible, but well-known for its strong academics, student support, and focus on lifelong learning. CASLV serves grades K-12 and offers a STEM-focused, college-preparatory curriculum that begins as early as elementary school.

Location: 107 Stafford Drive, NAFB Las Vegas
Tuition: No tuition; Students are accepted through a public lottery system
Highlights:

• Robust Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses at the high school level
• Strong emphasis on math, science, and technology with full integration of inquiry-based learning and 1:1 technology access
• National and international student achievements in math, science, debate, art, and robotics competitions

Somerset Academy of Las Vegas

With 7 campuses in the Las Vegas Valley, Somerset Academy offers flexibility and accessibility for families stationed throughout the region. Somerset Academy uses a college-prep, data-based teaching approach that helps students succeed at every grade level. As part of the larger Somerset Academy network founded in Florida in 1997, the Las Vegas campuses follow proven methods to support long-term student growth.

Locations: Aliante Campus, Lone Mountain Campus, Losee Campus, North Las Vegas Campus, Skye Canyon Campus, Sky Pointe Campus, Stephanie Campus

Tuition: No tuition; Open enrollment/lottery system

Highlights:

• A curriculum aligned with national and Nevada academic standards
• STEM integration within core subjects
• A multi-tiered instructional system that supports all learners, including advanced and at-risk students

Pinecrest Academy of Nevada

Pinecrest Academy is a tuition-free public charter school network serving grades K–8 at most campuses, with select campuses offering high school grades. Families stationed at Nellis Air Force Base will find the Horizon and Cadence campuses the most accessible, typically within a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic and housing location.

Locations: Pinecrest Inspirada, Pinecrest Horizon, Pinecrest St. Rose, Pinecrest Cadence, Pincecrest Sloan Canyon, Pinecrest Springs, Pinecrest Virtual

Tuition: No tuition; Lottery-based enrollment system

Highlights:

• Advanced electives in coding, forensic science, robotics, digital broadcasting, and engineering
• Integrated arts and music programs, including band, choir, orchestra, and visual arts
• The Conservatory at Inspirada, a unique middle school music conservatory program

HOW TO ENROLL IN PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS FOR MILITARY KIDS IN LAS VEGAS

For military families planning to move to Las Vegas, here’s how to navigate the private and charter school enrollment process:

1. Start early with advance enrollment. Thanks to Nevada’s participation in the Advance Enrollment initiative, you don’t have to wait until you’ve physically arrived in Las Vegas to enroll your child. You can submit proof of PCS orders ahead of time and pre-enroll.
2. Understand the lottery system for charter schools. Many charter schools in Las Vegas use a lottery system due to high demand. That’s why it’s important to make sure to submit applications during the Open Enrollment window. But if you miss the window, don’t worry—your child will be added to the general applicant pool for the next round.
3. Connect with a School Liaison Officer (SLO). SLOs are your PCS transition superheroes. They’ll help you understand which schools match your needs and help you navigate enrollment and paperwork.
4. Call schools directly. Charter and private schools often appreciate a phone call or email to discuss your family’s needs. Ask about military-specific support or discounts, rolling admissions flexibility, and curriculum compatibility with your child’s previous school.
5. Prioritize schools with independent study programs. Some schools have independent-study-based models that offer flexibility for your family’s schedule and online and hybrid learning options.

FIND THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR FAMILY TODAY

If you’re preparing for a move to Las Vegas, having the right support on the ground can make all the difference. That’s where I come in. As a Military Relocation Specialist and experienced Las Vegas real estate agent, I understand the challenges that come with military life and I’m here to help make your transition as smooth as possible. Whether it’s finding the right Las Vegas luxury home for sale in the right school zone or navigating enrollment deadlines and community resources, I’ve got you covered.

Reach out to me, Loralee Wood at 702.419.3212 or send me a message to learn more about Las Vegas and its housing market trends.