June 3, 2024

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education announced on Monday that the cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas have been approved as charter school authorizers.

With this approval, the two cities will join the State Public Charter School Authority, school districts, and colleges as entities authorized to establish new charter schools in Nevada.

This milestone marks a significant expansion in the state's educational landscape, providing more options and opportunities for students and families.

“In addition to fighting for the largest investment into K-12 education in state history, my administration has simultaneously fought for school choice for every Nevada student,” said Gov. Joe Lombardo. “As a result of our commitment to school choice in AB 400, we’re excited to announce new charter school authorizers today. This critical charter school expansion effort will give more students a chance to access the educational settings that best fit their needs – regardless of their zip code.”

Assembly Bill 400, which passed during the 2023 state legislative session, allows cities and counties to submit an application to the Nevada Department of Education seeking authorization to sponsor charter schools.

“The approval of Henderson and North Las Vegas as charter school authorizers will allow for additional educational choices, fostering innovation in teaching and learning,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The newly-approved charter school authorizers will have the authority to establish and oversee charter schools within their respective municipal boundaries.

The move is expected to impact up to 7 percent of school-aged children within Henderson and North Las Vegas.

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**About the Nevada Department of Education **

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.