NORTH LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — This fall, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, families in North Las Vegas will have an innovative new option to help their children in grades K-8 succeed, North Las Vegas and Clark County leaders announced Tuesday.
The new Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy (SNUMA) will open on Monday, August 24, coinciding with the first day of instruction for the Clark County School District. This public-private partnership between local government and micro-school providers offers student-centered, city-supported K-8 education options for North Las Vegas students for the fall semester.
Clark County leaders announced the Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy is meant to reverse learning-loss caused by pandemic “to make the powerless powerful,” said City Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown.
“Many of our students do not have the resources needed to be successful during this learn-from-home time,” said North Las Vegas City Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown.
This SNUMA program is designed to offer children a micro-schooling experience tailored to their specific educational needs. Students in grades 1-8 will receive live classroom instruction from a teacher blended with online lessons, along with enrichment and extracurricular activities during a highly-structured school day.
SNUMA class sizes are capped at 18 students per teacher. Students can attend for $2 per day. Need-based scholarships are available.
“As a career educator and administrator, I know that our community has been subject to historic inequalities in so many areas, including education, so it was clear we needed to do something different so that kids in North Las Vegas aren’t left behind,” added Goynes-Brown.
“We are fixing this education situation we are in,” said Mayor John Lee. Three North Las Vegas micro-schooling tracks were discussed in this news conference.
“This is a wonderful option for families who want to ensure that their children are being provided learning opportunities in a structured and enriching environment,” added Clark County Commission Chairman Marilyn Kirkpatrick.
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“We cannot allow our students to fall behind in their education,” said Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly.
“So I’m thrilled to see the Urban Micro Academy being made available to families in this area so that children can truly learn in a positive and supportive setting,” added Weekly.
SNUMA also provides support to CCSD students in grades K-8. This option provides a place for students to go to attend CCSD online classes with in-person instructor support in a classroom setting. Students will also receive enrichment and extracurricular activities during the school day. Class sizes are also capped at 18 students per teacher. Students can attend for $20 per day with need-based scholarships are available.
Additionally, the City of North Las Vegas will provide learning space for homeschooling co-ops, commonwealths, and other education groups.
Safekey programming and care before and after school hours is also available.
The Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy will follow SNHD and CDC best practices and abide by all directives from the state, including mandated face coverings, socially-distant classroom seating, and frequent cleaning and sanitizing of classrooms and facilities.
Parents can enroll their children now on NLVCares.com or by calling (702) 202-3490.
The innovative program is scheduled to launch in North Las Vegas.