First class graduates from Adelson Educational Campus

The Adelson Educational Campus in Summerlin awarded 14 diplomas to its inaugural graduating class on June 13. The graduates were accepted to colleges and universities in 13 different states, Canada and Israel, including Harvard University, University of California at Berkeley and Brandeis University.

In 2007, students in this graduating class started high school in temporary trailers while the campus was under construction. By 2008, the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Educational Campus, Nevada’s only Jewish school offering prekindergarten to grade 12, officially opened its $65 million, 146,000-square-foot campus on 14-acres in The Hills village of Summerlin.

“We’ve come a long way in a few short years,” said Paul Schiffman, head of school for The Adelson Educational Campus.

“The first graduating class is a major milestone in our history. We’re honored to send our students to prestigious colleges throughout the world and wish them continued success in their academic endeavors.”

As Adelson sends off its first graduating class, Palo Verde High School, a public high school in Summerlin, is preparing for its 10-year anniversary. According to Kevin Orrock, top division executive for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, 14 schools and three colleges have opened in Summerlin during the past decade.

“With 25 schools and counting, Summerlin boasts more schools than any other master-planned community in Southern Nevada, and more are on the way,” Orrock said.

“Education has always been a top priority in Summerlin and will be for years to come.”

Summerlin’s newest school, West Career and Technical Academy, will open for the 2010-2011 school year — becoming Summerlin’s 26th school. The 224,884-square-foot public magnet school, operated by Clark County School District, is located on 42 acres in Summerlin Centre West. It will accommodate 1,350 students and features a specialized curriculum that focuses on medical and environmental sciences.

For more information on Summerlin schools, visit summerlin.com.

Developed by The Howard Hughes Corp., an affiliate of General Growth Properties Inc., Summerlin is marking its 20th anniversary this year with a year-long celebration that commenced in May.

The community is home to 100,000 residents with access to amenities including more than 150 neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 completed miles of the Summerlin trail system, nine golf courses, a dozen houses of worship, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks, 25 public and private schools and 75 actively selling floor plans.

For more information on Summerlin, visit summerlin.com, call 791-4500 or become a fan of Summerlin on Facebook.