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the entire Las Vegas Day School campus as seen from the air

About Las Vegas Day School

Mission Statement

The mission of Las Vegas Day School is to foster each individual student to grow and develop as a self-assured, dedicated learner, who will shape the future of our society.

Beliefs

  • Each student is a valued individual.
  • Student learning is the priority of our school.
  • Fostering self-esteem and building confidence in our students cultivates their desire to learn.
  • A safe environment promotes student growth academically, socially and emotionally.
  • Students use their acquired knowledge to solve problems and produce quality work.
  • Our school is committed to continuous improvement and to the development of self-directed, lifelong learners.

young students sitting on the floor of a classroom in a circle look forward
a student smiling for a photo while drawing a picture with colored pencils

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

 

The Value of an LVDS Education

 

How do you define value in a private school education at Las Vegas Day School? Parents need to always get the greatest value for their investment in their child’s education.

  • First and foremost, we have always sought to find and hire the finest educators possible and retain them.
  • LVDS has a very low turnover of staff which inherently provides for better continuity of education for our children.
  • The school offers a time tested, traditional academic program that challenges students with stimulating instruction in the basics as well as technology, science, social studies, art, music, Spanish and health fitness.
  • It is also vitally important to have high caliber educational materials, textbooks, supplies and technology available for our students and teachers.
  • Our modern, state of the art campus with large, comfortable well-appointed classrooms, science and computer labs, extensive playground equipment, athletic field, track and two gymnasiums are all part of what we provide children and staff that is unequaled.

We do feel it is important to note that our school is unique as we operate solely on a tuition only basis.

  • We don’t accept any gifts, grants, donations or federal funding and there isn’t a parent name on any building at LVDS.
  • Parents will never be asked to attend a fundraiser or contribute financially in any manner.
  • Ultimately, this keeps a parent’s financial stature from ever being a consideration and creates the assurance that every child and family in the school are equal.
  • This financial philosophy is unheard of among private schools in Las Vegas or anywhere in the country.

Beyond all the tangible assets is the history of successful graduates for over sixty years that leave LVDS with the academic and organizational skills that completely prepares students for higher education. That is the ultimate value of Las Vegas Day School.

CHRISTINE GREGOIRE

“Education is the foundation upon which we
build our future.”

Las Vegas Day School History

 

Las Vegas Day School was founded by Helen and Jack Daseler in 1961 and was the first non-sectarian, non-denominational elementary school established in the State of Nevada.

The school started with twenty-seven students in a rented facility and functioned as a one-room schoolhouse for the first year. The next year construction of a permanent facility began on five acres of land located at Jones Blvd. and Desert Inn Road. At that time, the population of Las Vegas was a mere 60,000 people. Desert Inn Road was a dirt road and the area was so undeveloped that there was literally nothing within miles of the school.

As the kindergarten through eighth grade program grew, buildings were added to accommodate the increasing enrollment, settling at 210 students. In 1980, the school began gradually enlarging to meet the needs of the community. Over the ensuing years, the school grew to an enrollment of 500 students in grades K to 8 and a staff of 50.

In 2001, the school started the first phase of its complete new campus master plan on five acres of land directly behind the original school. The plan included the Kinderschool facility for preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, elementary classrooms, music, art and computer rooms, a beautiful modern library, and a state of the art middle school. The middle school gymnasium and athletic field opened in August of 2016 completing the campus master plan. The new school was built entirely off Red Rock Street with the original facility being demolished in June of 2009. Today the campus comprises 135,000 square feet on 17 acres with an enrollment of 750 students and a faculty and staff of 150.

Las Vegas Day School is proud to have touched the lives of thousands of children in the Las Vegas community. Today the school is educating numerous second-generation children whose parents attended the school. The concept of family has always been the cornerstone of the school with the sons of Helen and Jack Daseler still working in the school today, as well as third generation family members who have followed in the footsteps of the school founders. Las Vegas Day School stands in honor of Helen and Jack Daseler’s perseverance, hard work and lifelong dedication to education, but more importantly as a legacy of quality education for future generations to follow.

a row of buildings on a plot of desert land in the distance
black and white image of a Jack and Helen Daseler seated at a table

PLATO

“The direction in which
education starts a person will
determine his future life.”

a small bus labeled "Las Vegas Day School" filled with kids looking out of the windows while a young student stands outside of it
an old photo of the exterior of the Las Vegas Day School campus with desert vegetation in the foreground

ELBERT HUBBARD

“The object of teaching a child is to enable him
to get along without a teacher.”