Elementary School Program
at Las Vegas Day School
What is the Elementary School Program at LVDS?
The elementary program continues the development of our student’s strong foundation in the basics with a challenging, traditional academic environment. Students begin to develop self-confidence and academic independence.
Stimulating instruction is provided in Reading, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. In addition, specialists teach progressively challenging lessons in Spanish, Music, Art, Physical Fitness and Health, as well as Library Studies.
The elementary school environment is comfortable and secure which allows our children to fully enjoy the learning process.
Small Class Sizes
Extra-Curricular Activities
Academic Independence
Challenging Curriculum
Who Should Enroll?
Ideal Age & Readiness
Our elementary school program guides and builds foundational
skills for children ages 6-11. Our traditional program allows
students to develop confidence and build independence.
Development Signs
Look for signs of readiness: Understanding of basic math facts,
ability to read and write, and work independently. All students are
required to pass an entrance examination.
Curriculum & Learning Areas
Comprehensive Academic Foundations
The goal in Elementary School Program is to engage children through meaningful projects and to build a lasting enthusiasm for learning.
First Grade
In first grade, we focus on:
- Fostering independence as students take on new responsibilities.
An integrated English Language Arts program that builds phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. - Exploring writing through the six traits of writing, with a focus on poetry, journals, and personal narratives.
- A technology-based Math and Science curriculum where students learn through exploration and analysis.
- Social Studies lessons that promote critical thinking.
Second Grade
Second grade at LVDS is designed to foster growth and independence.
- Our curriculum includes:
English Language Arts: Students engage with both fiction and informational texts to improve reading comprehension and vocabulary. - Writing: Students learn the writing process to create opinion, sequential, and narrative pieces.
Math: Our math program expands understanding of place value, operations, patterns, and measurement. - Science and Social Studies: Students learn about engineering, the design process, and communities.
Third Grade
In third grade, we focus on:
- Moving from concrete to abstract thinking.
- Challenging students to become critical thinkers through our integrated English Language Arts program.
- Using comprehension skills to evaluate text and compose detailed written literary responses.
- Exploring writing skills through narrative, informational, and persuasive pieces.
- Building on foundational math concepts such as place value, multiplication, division, fractions, and measurement.
- Using the engineering process to explore and analyze new science concepts.
- Exploring how communities change over time with an emphasis on the growth and development of Las Vegas.
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade at LVDS emphasizes:
- Fostering independence, organization, and self-motivation.
- Applying critical thinking skills across all subjects.
- Offering an integrated English Language Arts program focused on comprehension, analysis, vocabulary, spelling, and language skills.
- Enhancing paragraph writing skills and focusing on multi-paragraph essays across various genres.
- Encouraging hands-on activities in Math and Science with real-world applications.
- Integrating a STEM program that uses technology-based mathematics and science for data analysis.
- Exploring different regions of the United States, including physical features, economies, and local/federal governments, in the Social Studies curriculum.
Fifth Grade
- Fifth grade at LVDS emphasizes:
- Skills needed for lifelong learning.
- Cross-curricular learning that uses technology.
- Development of independent thinking and study habits.
- Integrated English Language Arts featuring novel studies and grammar lessons.
- Writing program enhanced through student research to produce essays and poems.
- Math program to acquire and extend foundational skills.
- STEM-based Science curriculum delivered digitally with hands-on activities.
- Social Studies focusing on the early beginnings of the United States.
JEAN PIAGET
“Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the things you have to do, when they ought to be done. It is the first lesson that ought to be learned— however early that training begins.”
Daily Schedule & Structure
Sample Daily Schedule
Morning Work
Math
Recess
Reading
Lunch
Language
Specials
Social Studies
Science
Study Hall
Dismissal
Active Learning
Our elementary school program provides a traditional, teacher -led classroom environment. An emphasis on academic independence and respectful citizenship allows students to become self-confident and well rounded.
Teaching Approach & Methodology
Skills we develop to ensure your child is fully prepared
Elementary School Proficiency
Skills we develop to ensure your child is fully prepared
Navigating Elementary School
What Your Child Will Learn
Discover Elementary School at LVDS. Our curriculum fosters intellectual curiosity, leadership skills, and personal growth through a supportive and challenging academic environment.
Our comprehensive preschool program develops the complete social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of your three-year-old child.
→ Academics: Develop a strong academic foundation with well-round academics and balanced instruction to prepare students for future success.
→ Enrichment: Develop strong communication skills and confident social emotional development through exploration of the humanities and arts.
Parent Partnership
Communication
Parent Involvement Opportunities
Home-School Connection
Practical Information
Schedule Options
Full-Day Program
Extended Care
Campus Hours
Aligned with LVDS academic calendar
Classroom Environment
Class Size
Small class sizes (max 20 students) with 20:1 student-teacher
Learning Spaces
Bright, welcoming classrooms
Technology
Age-appropriate technology integration for enhanced learning with online textbook availability
Safety
Secure facilities with comprehensive safety protocols
What to Bring?
Daily Supplies
• Backpack for personal items
• Labeled lunch box and water bottle
Classroom Items
• Proper school uniform clothing
• School-issued supplies
Enrollment & Admissions
How to Apply
Campus Tour
Schedule a campus tour
Submit Application
Create your account and submit your application provided by our Admissions Director
Required Documents
Provide required documents such as birth certificate and immunization records
Entrance Examination
Students interested in Kindergarten – eighth grade are required to take and pass the entrance examination
Enrollment Decision
Our Admission Director will notify you regarding placement when available
Prerequisites
Age Requirements
Must be 6 (first grade), 7 (second grade), 8 (third grade), 9 (fourth grade), or 10 (fifth grade) by August 1 for the upcoming school year
Immunization Requirements
Current vaccinations as per Nevada state requirements
Previous Report Card
Current report card showing a B average or higher and no discipline concerns
Tuition & Financial Information
We offer competitive tuition with flexible payment plans.
Annual tuition cost
What’s included in tuition
Payment plans
Frequently Asked Questions
Do elementary students have clubs?
The school offers an extensive list of clubs and after school activities starting in second grade. There is literally something for everyone ranging from chess and band to sign language and game club.
Do students go on field trips?
Field trips are arranged to various locations around the Las Vegas valley that coordinate with the areas of study including theater performances.
What social, emotional, or academic help does LVDS provide its students?
We have two guidance counselors on staff that help our elementary students with any social, academic, or emotional challenge. Our guidance counselors regularly lead guidance lessons focused on building social skills, setting goals, and improving students’ study skills. Our counselors are also available for one-on-one meetings with students and parents.
Do parents have to provide their child’s school supplies?
As a convenience to parents, the school provides all necessary school supplies for the year at a nominal fee.
Is there an after school program?
The school offers after school study hall for Elementary School students until 6:00PM. There is an additional fee for this program.
What are class sizes?
Elementary School class sizes will be limited to no more than 20 students with a teacher and aide. Smaller class sizes will give us the opportunity to offer more individualized attention for all our students.
How and when do I apply?
Students in first through fifth grade are required to take an entrance exam for admissions consideration. Exams begin in January for the following school year.
Success Stories & Testimonials
Michael J.
“The Pre-K program at LVDS has been transformative for our daughter. She arrived shy and unsure, but the caring teachers helped her blossom. She’s now confident, loves learning, and can’t wait for kindergarten!”
Laura M.
From the very beginning, we felt welcomed and supported by the administration and faculty. The teachers are highly dedicated, caring, and truly invested in each child’s academic and personal growth.
David & Maria C.
“Two of our three children attended LVDS Pre-K and both thrived. The small class sizes meant real individual attention. Highly recommend for any family considering Pre-K!”
Where Our Elementary Students Go
100%
Grade-level matriculation
100%
Transition to middle school
Ongoing
Alumni network connection
Gallery
Resources for Parents & Next Steps
Resources by Grade
What First Graders Should Know
Key milestones for first grade success
Second Grade Developmental Milestones
A guide to your child’s second grade journey
Books to Read with Your Third Grader
Top reading recommendations for third grade
Summer Activities for Fourth Grade Readiness
Keep your fourth grader engaged this summer
Blog Posts & Guides
Preparing Your Child for Fifth Grade
Making the transition to fifth grade
Why Fifth Grade Matters: Building Independence
The importance of upper elementary education
Choosing Between Fifth and Sixth Grade Support
A guide to choosing the right grade for your child
Upper Elementary: What’s the Difference?
A comparison of upper elementary programs
Before & After Preschool
Explore our complete educational pathway. We offer programs from Preschool through
eighth grade, providing continuity and excellence across all grades.