Challenger School - Summerlin

My son attended the 4-yr old Tues/Thurs all day program. He sings constantly, and seems to be learning things without realizing he is learning. There is no homework, but brings home his activities he's worked on every day so you can see what they are doing and track development. His teachers in his class are wonderful (Miss Joi, Miss Roxanne). The day is highly structured in terms of activities and expectations for behavior, but within that structure, the atmosphere is very loving and nurturing. When I pick him up, he is happy to see me, but has a glow about him. All his "lights" are on, if you can imagine what that looks like. If your child does well with structure,and does not tend to be shy, he/she will do well here. The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 is that there is a sense of distance between the staff and the parents, but I was prepped that it would be like that. It is a huge school, with a small admin staff. They do not know who I am, nor exactly greet me with overt enthusiasm. But they do run a very efficient and effective organization, and it's the kids' experience that trumps it all. I will be sending my other son here for preschool once he's 3.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had three children enrolled at Challenger for several years, and we have never been happier than we are now. While the academics have always been excellent, Challenger seems to have done a particularly good job of hiring teachers in the last couple of years. We had considered leaving, but we are now so glad that we stayed. My oldest son is having the best school year of his life.
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked at Challenger School since 2010. I have never worked for such an EXCELLENT company that genuinely cares for their employees. When I go to work, it really feels like I'm coming home to my second home. I love all the students and I have grown and learned so much as a teacher there. The public school system made me feel like I couldn't be a teacher because I was bored and didn't realize it until later. The Challenger School system believes in every teacher and every student that they can and will accompish their goals. I have met the most caring and patient teachers at Challenger School. I really appreciate my job and I love the students so much!!!!
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter has attended pre-school at Challenger and is currently attending kindergarten. She is thriving in Challenger's academics based cirriculum and she has been blessed with very caring and attentive teachers. She already reads and can do basic addition and subtraction while some of her peers in public school are just learning their letters and numbers. As a parent, I value the fact that Challenger 's philosophy embraces the rights set by our country's Founding Fathers and teaches lessons from history based on facts, not politics, unlike public schools. I am also pleased that they teach independance and responsiblity even at an early age. I believe that students at Challenger can achieve academic excellance while learning to be good citizens. My satisfaction extends beyond the classroom to her classmates' parents. My daughter frequently attends her classmates' birthday parties outside of school and the parents that I have met are all very supportive and engaged their child's best interests. I don't trust my child's future to just anyone which is why Challenger is the only choice for me!
—Submitted by a parent

My son will be going into pre k this year (his second year at challenger) I previously had him in a few days of daycare for playtime and interaction. He used to cry and beg not to go, his first week at challenger he was skipping to class. He had 2 of the sweetest teachers, as well as a educational environment. My daughter has attended 2 other private schools, and I can say I love that Challenger isnt constsntly down your throat for donations. Do they keep parents out of the class durning scool, yes! They eliminate the entire clique of moms that basically "run" the school and the favoritism to their children. Every child is an equal, id rather have my kids in a school where its not about how much you donte, or if your mom is helping out & doing favors that determins your childs treatment. There are several Las Vegas private schools that are run that way!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 year old just started the summer program today and before that attended for a few months M-F half days. She is learning so much and wants to go to school even on the weekends. She loves it and when I asked her who loves her more than anyone, her answer (which was supposed to be mommy, but she said her teacher. I love that she is learning and feels loved at that school. Well worth the tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

Hi! I'm a student at Challenger, and in the eighth grade. Challenger is very fun, but it's also very academically challenging, hence the name of the school. I have a lot of friends here, and we study for tests and hang out, mostly as a class. I wanted to debunk one myth. Challenger now has a separate teacher for music and physical education, and added half an hour more music and P.E time! For prospective students and parents: be sure to go to Challenger for fifth grade and middle school. Those grades are definitively the best, especially fifth grade, but email me with questions, if you have any! :D

My daughter attended preschool here and it was an awful experience. The regime is very odd, the teachers and principal are not approachable or supportive of the children, there is only the system! This is not a nurturing environment, particularly for young children. Academically speaking, my child excelled much more at a good public school where there were checks and balances. Any class is only as good as the teacher and mostly these teachers are below standard, just following the inflexible methods.
—Submitted by a parent

Wanted to address the "too much homework" that many parents seem to stress in the lower ranking of the school. My daughter has never (in 7yrs) had more than 1.5hr in homework...and 1.5 is huge load of her science project, or other major assignment no different than any school. Average homework per night is 40min. She is an A/B student. A few C's. Most of the parents who stress about A's only are the ones pushing for the 2-3hr homework. My daughter is smart and catches things quick. My 2nd grader is all A's and takes about 40min as well. So the many many hours of homework I have found over 7yrs as a challenger Mom is mainly based from the stress of the parent...not the student. Just something to think about.
—Submitted by a parent

After 2 years of Challenger Lone Mountain and amazing achievements of both of my kids I feel like contributing in this forum with a few words...I was a bit skeptical in the beginning, as the drilling, homework and testing was quite different from the liberal preschool they used to go before. But the kids accepted it without a problem and really love everything about their school...great teachers so far, every single one we had, great school direction, great facilities, great studying environment. The missing sports facilities. other parents are complaining aren't a real issue in preschool and elementary school, as they go outside everyday to do their sports program, presidential fitness program and during extended care they offer sports activities too. My main complaint is the missing Spanish or other language in their curriculum, that should be standard in a private school nowadays. This is the only reason why I can't rate this school excellent! I guess the obviously far-right political orientation of the school goes along with this attitude that a perfect English should be enough language knowledge for a great American citizen - I totally disagree...
—Submitted by a parent

I love Challenger my daughter has been going there since she was 2, she is five now and so much more advance then other five year olds. The school is also very new and if you child has a accident they have clothes and shoes on site. I'm very happy with this school .
—Submitted by a parent

Both of our daughters have attended the pre-school and we could not be happier with the experience or the results. We have seen such growth, both socially and academically, since they began and it is absolutely due to the outstanding teachers and staff. They have created an environment that makes learning fun and the girls cannot wait to go school. The school curriculum encourages independent thinking and develops confidence. We are moving overseas and our daughters are now prepared to attend any international school. We would particularly like to recognize Miss Ashley, Miss Julia, Miss Caryn, Miss Christa, Miss Suzanne, Miss Brenda, and Miss Diana. Thank you so much for everything and we will miss you.
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the things to keep in mind when considering this School. 1. The Elementary School has no principal in place. The current headmaster is serving as principal. If you know the difference between Headmaster and Principal you will know want I mean. Makes lot of difference in school learning environment. 2. Most of the Teachers are not seasoned professionals. There only goal is to stress out students in class. Just ask them how many have teaching background and education. 3. This school want parents to be no part of there kids education. Parents/teachers meetings are really not encouraged - Always saying "Everything is fine". 4. There main punch line is "we are teaching two grades advance stuff from public schools". That mean your kid can skip high school altogether and go to college directly. 5. Lastly I need to say that don't go with the hype. Do your home work. Decide whether you want your kid to be a better human or a better test taker. Do you want your kid to enjoy different Activities that a school offer like Arts, Music, Sports or all you care is studies and more studies.
—Submitted by a parent

My family's been researching preschools off and on since moving to Vegas this summer . We were fortunate to come across an expo in Summerlin, which brought a variety of preschools together so that parents can kind of shop around. There were some good schools there but this one stood out. We came in the next day for a tour after meeting the director at the expo. I really wasn't sure what to expect, but definitely happy enough with what we saw to enroll.
—Submitted by a parent

A very misinformed (perhaps disgruntled) individual submitted the last two reviews! Come watch classes in action. See for yourself why Challenger's students outperform those in other schools. As a parent and teacher, there is no other school I'd rather send my children. If you don't want robots, teach your children to think and to be individuals. Robots are the products of indoctrination, not a curriculum focused on critical thinking and genuine achievement.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the review posted by a parent on Oct 15,2010. Only a few good teachers,,who know how to teach outside the box concepts.
—Submitted by a parent

My Son has been attending challenger since pre school and is now in the 2nd grade.ThePre school hands down is the best.Fun and educational throughout.K-2nd Has been great too. I dont know where parents are saying 1-2 hrs of homework. There is a monthly book report due and 1-2 math sheets a night, that if your child is in extended care gets done within a half hour afterschool and then they get to play until you pick them up.I love the results educationally but would love to see more art and sports.Im just glad my child hasnt had any problems there with his grades.I have a feeling we might be outcasted.They really know what theyre doing and I wish I could send my other two children there but its really expensive.
—Submitted by a parent

It's important to understand that "conceptualization" requires memorization. A child can't be expected to read words if he hasn't memorized letters and sounds. Pretty common sense! Conceptualizing is thinking - it's putting the concretes together to make a connection. My child is assessed in spelling/vocabulary, geography, speech and science. He is expected to demonstrate understanding of literature and grammar. He's learning to write compositions, where he expresses his knowledge. One thing I can say about Challenger is that its political philosophy is based strongly on liberty. Capitalism is revered while statism is disdained. The pilgrims are recognized for their desire for a better life and religious freedom. In fact, next week, my son will enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast , like he has for years now - and he understands that significance.
—Submitted by a parent

Can't argue with the academics, although don't believe what they tell you about "conceptual learning," that's part of it, but there is plenty of memorization on the 6-7 weekly tests your child will take. Negatives: no field trips, art and gym class taught by the regular classroom teacher instead of a someone specializing in that area, same with music until third grade, no foreign languages, no library, biased towards the far right politically, the pilgrims were socialists and Sam Walton is a great American.
—Submitted by a parent

Challenger has taught my son to think rather than rely on memorization. Nothing sterile about my first grader reading and understanding books that most 4th graders can't. And he's enjoying it! I can see why Challenger has standards in order to keep its quality high. More schools probably should follow in its footsteps.
—Submitted by a parent