Four facilities scheduled to open for 2009-2010 school year

Encompassing all of Clark County and covering more than 7,900 square miles, the Clark County School District is the fifth largest in the nation and home to more than 311,000 students and 38,000 employees. During the 2008-2009 school year, the school district operated 347 schools, including 210 elementary schools, 59 middle schools, 45 high schools (including Virtual High School), 25 alternative schools and eight special schools.

Four schools will open for the 2009-2010 school year, which begins Aug. 24 for all but elementary schools on Track 1. These include three elementary schools: Keller Elementary School in the eastern valley, Bozarth Elementary School in the northwest and Fine Elementary School in the southwest. Sunrise Mountain High School will open in the northeast.

The district offers 18 magnet schools with emphasis on aerospace and aviation, communications, fine and performing arts, languages, law and leadership, travel and tourism, math and technology. Career and technical academies are also available to students from the district.

The main goal of magnet schools and career and technical academies is to improve student achievement through the intense study of the core curriculum related to each student's career pathway. For more information, visit http://magnet.ccsd.net.

The district's Virtual High School provides full-time or concurrent students educational opportunities through interactive online courses and DVDs/videotapes. Students access courses via the Internet and must have accessibility to appropriate technology.

Classes are based on Nevada State Standards. Students enroll full-time, at no cost, and may complete all necessary coursework to earn a high school diploma.

Students are required to meet online with their teacher and classmates each week. More than 1,500 students enroll each semester in core, elective and advanced placement courses at Virtual High School. Detailed information on this program is available at www.ccsdde.net or by calling 855-8435.

Direct and support services are provided for students with disabilities ages 3-21. School teams collaborate with families to offer quality learning experiences and prepare students with disabilities for life after school. Neighborhood schools are the focus for providing services, and a full range of options are available to meet students' needs. A Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is offered in grades 3-5. Every high school offers an honors program that provides a highly rigorous curriculum. Students may also select from advanced placement courses or choose to earn an honors or an advanced diploma.

College of Southern Nevada and the Clark County School District have teamed to provide the community with shared college academic and computing centers on high school campuses. These centers are located at Palo Verde, Western and Green Valley high schools. The college also offers online learning for hundreds of courses.

Safekey is a before-school and after-school program for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. The recreation departments of the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City, as well as Clark County's recreation department, administer Safekey programs in conjunction with Las Vegas area schools.

Safekey is designed for school-aged children whose parents or guardians are working before or after school hours. At several area schools, teachers or other educators administer the program, which provides study sessions and assistance with homework. Recreational activities are also offered, including arts and crafts, theater, dance and cooking. A nutritional snack is provided daily. Most schools conduct Safekey programs before school from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and after school from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about the Clark County School District, visit www.ccsd.net.