Alexander Dawson School

I am a grateful grandparent of a Dawson middle schooler. Coming from a failing public school after fourth grade, I have seen my granddaughter blossom in confidence, character and academic mastery. The transformative approach and nurturing atmosphere, combined with high expectations have produced more than her parents and I could have imagined. Next year she will graduate, prepared to take on our wonderful and complex world.

It has been interesting, to say the least to read some of these comments. I wonder sometimes what the motivation might be. My experiences have been enormously positive. My daughter came from the CCSD 4 years ago to Dawson. She came in to Dawson as a timid student and will graduate this year as a confident, kind and caring girl. She wants to continue learning and has a clear-cut vision for her future that has been fostered by caring, challenging teachers! The students at Dawson RISE to the challenge as opposed to "dumbing down" for students who need much more help. The students who need extra help at Dawson, get the help they need from wonderful teachers and support staff. I will be FOREVER GRATEFUL to the Alexander Dawson School!
--Submitted by a parent

I taught at AD several years ago. The admin. that I worked with were concerned for the students best interests, but seemed to be pawns for the wealthiest of parents. The school encouraged teachers to deliver a unique education, and when I was there, there were some really great instructors delivering great content. I do feel that a few parents with money and clout had undue influence ... If your child attends AD, just be aware pared to deal with your child's classmate's parents! If you are middle class or old money, it would be better to stay away from the nouveau riche class.

There have been many administration changes(Headmaster, Head of Middle School) which have affected staff morale. We spent 12 years there and experienced these changes. Lower School is still doing an exeptional job. Middle school needs a strong leader who knows about middle school curriculum. Hopefully the new 2011-12 Head of Middle School Head can provide leadership and curriculum knowledge. Sadly, many excellent Middle School teachers left due to fustration w/ the administration; some current Middle School teachers are arrogant and will cater to "parents who donate money to the school". Science and Math program are strong, but Middle School English teachers need to cooperate w/ one another. Pricey tuition; older students & parents can be "snobs" to those who receive financial need scholarship.
--Submitted by a parent

The obvious negative about this school is the cost. It's kind of insane. But if you can afford the tuition and are comparing this school to the other private schools, I have to tell you I am very, very happy with this school. This year is my daughter's third year at Dawson. She loves going to school and learning. She says her favorite subjects are math and science. That's crazy! The teachers here are over qualified and enthusiastic, and the staff really cares. I feel like my daughter gets to go to her second home every day with a second family who loves her. She has fun and is pushed at the same time. Dawson found that perfect balance that every parent wants for their child. There are some good public schools in Las Vegas, but paying the tuition at Dawson gets you an unbeatable teacher/student ratio, an amazing teacher every year, diverse and excellent electives and after school activities, and an administration that really cares for your child. I know the cost is insane, and they ask for annual donations to the school (which bugs me), but I feel there is no better use of my money, and there is definitely no better school and education and atmosphere than Dawson.
--Submitted by a parent

Many of the reviews on here are by parents that obviosuly don't know what is going on at their child's school. this is an Amazing school! I had the honor to be awarded a scholarship and this school and this is my third year here! I used to go to public school and by day 1 i could see the difference in education. I was challenged and i was learning so much more than at a different school! The food is great, no, there is no mold problem as some "teacher" reported on this site. The teachers are strict but nice and definatley are there to help. The sports teams are great and so are the classes. There are so many fun and educational electives and languages that other schools dont offer. Thanks to the small class sizes i am getting sooo much more one-on-one help! Seriously think about sending your kid here, it's the best school i have ever attended. Take it from someone who actually goes here, not a parent (:

I am a college instructor and chose Dawson for my children because unlike the nearby public schools, Dawson prepares the whole child. While I believe the education at the public schools are adequate, Dawson fosters a love for learning. I am disappointed that several parents allow personal conflicts with administration to skew their opinion of a school whose pedagogy reflects years of research for successful learning that trusts the learning process. Perhaps average test scores reflect the accurate ability of a particular child, rather than the preparation provided by the school. Everyday, my daughter and son jump out of the car excited about learning. They offer 3 days of studio art, foreign language, physical education and science. The food is organic and healthy. A good percentage of the students are recipients of financial aid and represent a diverse socio-economic background. Dawson is a wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have three children at Dawson and they all began in the ECEC program. My husband and I are are both Ivy league educated and wanted a school that would prepare our children academically, but also teach them critical thinking, compassion and the importance of community. Dawson has provided all that and more. I could not be more thrilled with their education. Do they come home with tons of worksheets every night? NO, and thank goodness. They have some homework and there are always projects, but they work extremely hard in school and are given time after class to do sports, instruments, play with friends and be kids. My children are happy and their ERB scores were out of this world. All of our teachers have been wonderful. This school provides a safe, warm, positive and close environment that allows the children to thrive!
--Submitted by a parent

Alexander Dawson has been a wonderful experience for my daughter & our family. We are so impressed with every aspect of the ECEC program, ie. low teacher/student ratio, strong academic curriculum, wonderful art & music program, etc! The low teacher/student ratio allows the classes to be divided into smaller groups to facilitate a more individualized approach for reading, etc. As a result, my daughter is testing 1 grade level ahead of the public schools in Las Vegas and on the East Coast. I attribute this accomplishment to my daughter's love of learning & the wonderful & tailored instruction by her teachers. All of which is provided in a very loving & warm learning environment where all the staff know my daughter's name. Alexander Dawson's approach to learning encompasses the child as a whole & expands their horizons. It is a FABULOUS school!
--Submitted by a parent

Jealousy is an ugly thing, and some of the comments here reflect that. Unfortunately, Alexander Dawson is the most expensive school in the State of Nevada. But fortunately, it is also the absolute best school in the State of Nevada (K-8th), by far. There is a reason that the city s top executives send their children there, and keep them there. Test results don t lie. Now it is true that not every child has what it takes to succeed at Dawson, that s the real world. But if your child has what it takes, and you can get them in there. Don t hesitate.
--Submitted by a parent