Private Kindergarten in Las Vegas
If you are searching for a private kindergarten in Las Vegas, you are already thinking ahead about what your child’s education should look like. Las Vegas Day School (LVDS) has been answering that call for Las Vegas families since 1961, offering a full-day private kindergarten program built around small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a rigorous academic curriculum designed to give young learners a meaningful head start.
Located in Southwest Las Vegas, LVDS is Nevada’s oldest non-sectarian private PS-8 school, and our kindergarten is one of the programs families keep coming back for, generation after generation. This guide walks you through what makes private kindergarten different, what to expect at LVDS, how to apply, and how to decide whether it is the right fit for your child.
Why Choose Private Kindergarten in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas families have more options for kindergarten than ever before, and the choice between public and private is rarely simple. Here is what private kindergarten consistently offers that public programs often cannot match at scale.
| Advantage | What It Means for Your Child |
| Small Class Sizes | More one-on-one time with the teacher, faster identification of learning gaps, and a calmer environment for building focus. |
| Experienced Faculty | Teachers who specialize in early childhood instruction and understand developmental milestones for 5-6 year-olds. |
| Rigorous Academic Curriculum | Kindergartners at LVDS build strong reading, writing, and math foundations through a structured, teacher-led program designed for individual learning readiness. |
| Full-Day Program | A structured full-day schedule (8:25 AM to 2:50 PM) builds stamina, deepens learning, and mirrors what children will experience in elementary school. |
| Continuity PS-8 | Enrollment at LVDS means your child stays in the same engaging academic environment through 8th grade. |
The LVDS Kindergarten Program: What Your Child Will Experience
Our kindergarten sits within the Kinderschool, LVDS’s dedicated early childhood division that bridges preschool through kindergarten in a nurturing, purposeful environment. From the first day, your child is surrounded by familiar faces, consistent routines, and teachers who know their name.
Full-Day Kindergarten Structure
LVDS offers a full-day kindergarten running from 8:25 AM to 2:50 PM, giving children the time they need to build skills deeply rather than rushing through a shortened schedule. Before and after school care is available on site for Kinderschool students, which gives working families a single, secure environment from morning through late afternoon. Research consistently supports full-day programs for vocabulary growth, early literacy, and social development. You can read more about what separates program formats in our guide to half-day vs. full-day kindergarten.
Academics in Kindergarten
The LVDS kindergarten curriculum is a rigorous, teacher-led program designed to build strong foundations while keeping learning age-appropriate and joyful. Expect your child to work on:
- Phonics and early reading: systematic phonics instruction with a focus on decoding and comprehension foundations
- Writing development: letter formation, sentence building, and early creative expression
- Math foundations: number sense, counting, patterns, and beginning addition and subtraction
- Science exploration: hands-on activities that build curiosity and vocabulary
- Social studies: community, routines, and early civic concepts
- Weekly specials: Library, Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education, each taught by a subject specialist
Explore the full program overview on our Kinderschool kindergarten page.
Social-Emotional Development
Academics are only half the picture. At LVDS, kindergarten teachers are intentional about building emotional regulation, friendship skills, and classroom community. Children learn to express themselves, resolve conflicts calmly, and develop the confidence that carries them through every grade ahead.
Small Class Sizes and Teacher Attention
LVDS maintains small kindergarten class sizes so that every child receives real attention every day. Teachers can identify learning differences early, communicate proactively with parents, and adapt their instruction to what individual students actually need.
What Makes Las Vegas Day School Different
There are several private schools in Las Vegas. What has kept LVDS the trusted choice for over 60 years is the combination of academic rigor, genuine care, and a community that feels like family. A few things worth noting for parents evaluating their options:
- Founded 1961: Nevada’s oldest non-sectarian private PS-8 school, with a track record no newer school can match.
- Non-sectarian: LVDS is not affiliated with any religious institution, welcoming families of all backgrounds.
- PS-8 continuity: Enroll in kindergarten and your child has a clear, stable path through 8th grade in the same community.
- Experienced faculty: Teachers at LVDS tend to stay, which means your child benefits from deep institutional expertise.
- Southwest Las Vegas campus: A secure, purpose-built campus at 3275 Red Rock St. with classrooms designed for early learners.
For a full picture of our programs and campus life, visit our school information page.
Private Kindergarten vs. Public Kindergarten in Las Vegas
Both public and private kindergarten can serve children well. The right choice depends on your family’s priorities. Here is an honest comparison to help you think it through.
| Factor | LVDS Private Kindergarten | CCSD Public Kindergarten |
| Class Size | Small, intentionally limited | Larger, varies by school |
| Schedule | Full-day (8:25 AM to 2:50 PM) | Varies; some offer full-day |
| Curriculum | Rigorous, structured academics | Grade-level standard pacing |
| Teacher Continuity | Stable faculty, low turnover | Varies by school |
| PS-8 Pathway | Same school through 8th grade | Separate elementary school required |
| Cost | Tuition-based (see Financial Info) | No tuition |
| Enrollment | Application + entrance exam required | Zoned enrollment |
From Private Preschool to Private Kindergarten: A Natural Path
Many LVDS kindergarten families begin their journey in our private preschool program in Las Vegas. When children move from Kinderschool preschool or pre-K into kindergarten, they already know the campus, the culture, and often several of their classmates. That continuity makes the kindergarten transition smoother and lets children get right to the work of learning, rather than spending weeks adjusting to a new environment.
A meaningful enrollment advantage: students who complete the LVDS Pre-Kindergarten program are not required to take the kindergarten entrance exam. Pre-K teachers already know each child’s academic readiness, social development, and learning style, which makes the transition into kindergarten seamless for the family and immediate for the child.
If your child is currently in preschool or pre-K at another school, you are still very welcome to apply for kindergarten. Our admissions team works with families from a wide range of backgrounds and program experiences.
How to Apply for Private Kindergarten at LVDS
Admission to LVDS kindergarten is competitive, and families who start the process early tend to have the best outcomes. Here is what to expect.
Age Requirement
Children must be 5 years old by August 1st of the year they enter kindergarten at LVDS. If your child will turn 5 before that date, they are eligible to apply for the upcoming fall term. Contact admissions if you have questions about your child’s specific eligibility.
Entrance Exam
LVDS requires an entrance examination for kindergarten applicants. The assessment covers basic math skills and basic phonics skills, including letter recognition, beginning sounds, and listening activities. It is designed to gauge developmental readiness and help teachers plan individualized instruction from day one, not to exclude children. Students who complete the LVDS Pre-Kindergarten program are exempt from the kindergarten entrance exam.
Application Steps
- Complete the online application at lvds.com/admissions/
- Schedule a campus tour for parents and caregivers
- Schedule your child’s entrance assessment (waived for current LVDS Pre-K students)
- Receive an admissions decision and enrollment packet
- Confirm enrollment and review tuition and financial options
Review tuition ranges, payment plans, and available financial options on our financial information page.
When to Apply
LVDS opens kindergarten enrollment in the winter for the following fall. Many families begin touring in November and submit applications by January. Seats fill on a first-come, first-served basis after admissions decisions, so early action is recommended.
Who Chooses LVDS for Private Kindergarten
LVDS families come from across Las Vegas and reflect the city’s diversity, but they tend to share a few things in common. They are parents who:
- Want their child to be known by name by their teacher, not lost in a crowded classroom
- Are thinking beyond kindergarten and want a school their child can grow with through 8th grade
- Value academic preparation without sacrificing childhood joy and social development
- Are looking for a non-religious private school that welcomes all families
- Live or work in or near Southwest Las Vegas, Summerlin, Spring Valley, or the greater 89146 area
See LVDS Kindergarten for Yourself
The best way to understand what makes LVDS different is to walk through the doors. On a campus tour, you will meet teachers, see the kindergarten classroom in action, and get honest answers to every question you bring.
Tours are available on a scheduled basis throughout the year. We welcome parents, guardians, and prospective students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Kindergarten in Las Vegas
These are the questions Las Vegas parents ask most often when exploring private kindergarten options.
What age does kindergarten start at LVDS?
Children must be 5 years old by August 1st of the year they enter kindergarten. The age range for LVDS kindergarten is 5 to 6 years old during the academic year. If your child is currently 4, contact our admissions office to confirm eligibility for the upcoming fall term.
Is LVDS kindergarten full-day or half-day?
LVDS offers a full-day kindergarten program running from 8:25 AM to 2:50 PM, with before and after school care available for working families. Full-day kindergarten gives children more time to develop literacy, math skills, and social-emotional competencies than a shortened schedule allows. Learn more about the differences in our half-day vs. full-day kindergarten comparison guide.
Does LVDS kindergarten require an entrance exam?
Yes, with one important exception. LVDS requires a kindergarten entrance examination covering basic math, letter recognition, beginning sounds, and listening activities. Results help teachers plan individualized instruction from the first week of school. Students who complete the LVDS Pre-Kindergarten program are not required to take the kindergarten entrance exam.
How much does private kindergarten cost at LVDS?
LVDS operates on a tuition-only model. Tuition varies by grade level and program format. Visit our financial information page for current tuition rates, registration fees, and available payment plan options.
What is the difference between LVDS and public kindergarten in Las Vegas?
The primary differences are class size, curriculum structure, and continuity. LVDS maintains small class sizes with experienced teachers, runs a rigorous academic curriculum, and offers a PS-8 pathway in one school. Clark County public kindergartens serve larger class sizes with standard pacing and require a school transition to elementary school.
Can my child start at LVDS kindergarten if they did not attend LVDS preschool?
Absolutely. Many LVDS kindergarten families are new to our school. The standard admissions process applies (including the entrance examination), and our teachers are experienced at welcoming and integrating children from a variety of preschool backgrounds. We encourage families new to LVDS to attend a campus tour before applying so you can meet our team and see the environment firsthand.
What hours does LVDS kindergarten run?
Classes start at 8:25 AM and dismiss at 2:50 PM. Before and after school care is available on site for Kinderschool students, giving working families a single, secure environment from morning through late afternoon.
Where is Las Vegas Day School located?
LVDS is located at 3275 Red Rock St., Las Vegas, NV 89146 in Southwest Las Vegas, conveniently accessible from Summerlin, Spring Valley, the 215 Beltway corridor, and surrounding neighborhoods.
What curriculum does LVDS kindergarten use?
The LVDS kindergarten curriculum is a rigorous, teacher-developed program that blends phonics-based reading instruction, foundational math, science exploration, and weekly enrichment in Library, Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education taught by subject specialists. For the full details, visit our Kinderschool kindergarten program page.