Alexander Dawson School

10845 West Desert Inn Road

Las Vegas, NV 89135

41 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 10, 2024

The Alexander Dawson school has been absolutely amazing for our daughter, who just finished her first year of Early Childhood. The entire faculty and staff have been absolutely amazing and engaging, and have developed strong personal relationships with every family who comes into the community. The Early Childhood curriculum is age appropriate, and focuses on developing the confidence and exposure to new concepts, and not just rote memorization of reading or number concepts. Our daughter's social development has been absolutely outstanding to watch over the last year, and that has really been nurtured and cultivated by everyone at the school. Concepts that have been introduced in class are also reinforced at home, and our daughter is pacing very well relative to developmental milestones. Beyond the learning curriculum, the strong sense of community between Dawson families is also fantastic to see; more than just dropping off a child at a school, Dawson does an excellent job fostering relationships that reinforce positive development between the kids and adults in the school. When selecting a school that sets the foundation for her future educational experience, our family had the choice of attending any school in Las Vegas, and we chose the Dawson school because it is the best for childhood development.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2024

When selecting a preschool for our child and going on tours Dawson stood out due to its beautiful campus and the kindness of the staff (in the beginning). They really sell you. After having our child there we came to realize VERY quickly it is a quick sell and everything they sell you on is not what they practice. You will come home with little to no substance in work from your child. My friends in other schools are coming home with their preschoolers doing writing activities, math activities, worksheets, pre reading. Here there is NONE of that truly NONE. Your days will be filled with going to their garden, pancake day, pj day, hiphop day, dot day, and countless fundraising events. As great and fun as that is there is no structure and it leaves all the children in the preschool there behind. When bringing up any concerns to the E.C director Ms. Jacobson her once kind and nurturing demeanor quickly turns cold and you see a different side to her which in the end had our family come to the conclusion our child will be going elsewhere next year, along with many other families I know there. We have had to get private tutoring to come to our home to catch our child up to speed to be able to go to another private school in Las Vegas due to their lack of accountability, curriculum, and structure. There needs to be a restructuring of curriculum and a restructuring of who is running E.C to hopefully get it back on track because at this time it is a day care not an education.
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2024

Sent our child here for two years in preschool before quickly realizing they have little to no curriculum or structure in comparison to other private schools in Las Vegas. They are not teaching the preschoolers to read They lack in problem solving when it comes to bullying. We are currently having to rebuild our child’s confidence back up after a teacher who belittled them daily.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2023

We have had over 12 amazing years at Dawson with our two children. Drawn to their individualized approach to learning and their focus on the social and emotional components of education, we couldn't be happier with our decision. We have two very different children with different learning styles and interests and both have developed into passionate learners with diverse problem solving skills. They have learned to lead and work as part of a team and speak with confidence in front of peers and educators, and have grown into engaged members of their respective classes. Watching them develop over the years through that Dawson difference- and especially witnessing the personal and scholastic growth during middle school has been a validating experience. I'm thrilled with the ease in which our eldest has transitioned to the honors program at Gorman and the base of educational confidence he has carried with him.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2022

If I could give no stars I would. I was there from the beginning with my family and the school has turned an absolute abomination. The head of school has no idea how to run an organization let alone a classroom. Complete waste of money and I would say your kids would get a better education at the worst public school in Vegas than here. If looking for a private school the Meadows and Day School are far superior options. They treat their teachers like absolute garbage and the education they give to your kids is below par at best. There is no discipline, responsibility, or accountability. Overall DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL. Really consider your options before going there.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2022

Stop looking Dawson is definitely a second home. The entire approach at Dawson is like none other. There is tremors pride in staff & students alike. The moment you drive onto the campus & are greeted each & everyday by security, teachers, staff sets the tone for above average caring environment for your child/children that I doubt you can find anywhere else. This is our first year at Dawson & can hope we're there through the 8th grade. It's a place where they not only help your child grow there are also parent opportunities through their Parent University. The teachers are like none other. They are truly vested in each child & create a fun, respectful learning environment but, not just academics it's a "whole person" approach. They help guide your child to reach their own individual potential. This is not cookie cutter. I can not stress enough how engaged the entire staff is with every child. You have to see it to believe and when you do you'll feel this amazing warm environment. Look no further invest in an education at Dawson.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2022

We were introduced to The Alexander Dawson School through friends' recommendations, and quickly realized that the Early Education program would be a great fit for our energetic, curious and strong-willed 3 year old. We felt our son would be safe and in good hands from the very first day. In the several months he's been there, we've found his teachers & extracurricular instructors to engage with him in such a respectful, loving and nurturing manner. It is very apparent that they take joy in the kids! The school is a great start to my toddler's education. Building foundational values (such as empathy, global citizenship, respect) is just as important as creative learning and activities. We've found the school to be communicative and responsive. We see how much he loves going to school and being with his teachers & friends. Knowing that he's in such good hands is amazing!
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2021

My husband and I were considering a move to Nevada and went on a tour of Dawson as an option for our two kids. After we toured the campus we decided to make the move to Las Vegas, mainly because of Dawson. We fell in love with the campus and the school philosophy as well as their core beliefs aligned with what we want for our children. Because of COVID and a mid-school year move, our children had never stepped foot on the campus until their first day. By day two they felt part of the Dawson community as if they'd been there for many years. This is a testament to the teachers they hire and the caring community of children they foster. We have been beyond impressed with their communication and transparency (especially all things COVID related). The teachers are always available for the students and the parents and they truly care about the kids they are teaching. My kids come home with excitement about what they are learning and feel challenged and engaged in their school work. Another added bonus of Dawson is their fun and welcoming parent body. With our middle schooler involved in the amazing Dawson athletics programs we love cheering on Dawson teams with other parents. We wanted our kids to have a love for learning and we have found this at Dawson.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2021

The school has a foundation that has helped my son excel in so many ways. He is socially stronger with encouragement by the faculty. His academics progress is been beyond my expectations for the time he has attended. I cannot wait to see how he develops over the years.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2021

We are grateful to be a part of the Alexander Dawson community, especially over this past year when Dawson took a lead in ensuring students education continued while fostering as much of a sense of normalcy as possible. Our 4th grader has been at the school since Pre-K and continues to grow socially, emotionally, and academically with each passing year.Dawson, with its inviting campus and creative environment, encourages celebration of the individual student while being committed to a strong core education. Above all else, it's the care and commitment of the teachers and administration that sets Dawson apart. Truly, the Alexander Dawson school is about students and families working together for the best outcomes for our kids. We are thankful and proud that Dawson is an important part of our family!
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2020

As soon as we visited the Dawson Campus, we knew it was the right school for both of our children (they are complete opposites). The campus is beautiful, yes, but every single person who works there - teachers, administration, security - they all make it feel like home. The standard of education is fantastic and subjects are super varied - each child is treated like the individual they are. The learning here isn't just academic - it's social-emotional too. The after-school enrichment program has something for everyone. Teachers at Dawson do a wonderful job tailoring the learning to suit each child's needs, encouraging them to do what they love, and they communicate really well with parents. There is a definite emphasis on thinking "outside of the box" and they are incredibly creative whilst helping the kids learn. The atmosphere at the school is super, the staff and children are all so relaxed and happy, it is a truly fun, safe place to learn and approaching our third year, I cannot imagine our children being anywhere else. There are also fantastic education pieces for parents, with some great guest speakers. I even attended a free parenting course last year. At Dawson, it feels like teaching and helping children to grow is truly a vocation, not "just a job". It's like every teacher and member of staff is exactly where they should be, everyone seems to fit and work together in the most fantastic way. We feel extremely supported as a family there and hope our children will remain Dawson students until they both graduate 8th Grade, they are so happy every day. There is a real sense of community at this school. #DawsonDifference
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2020

My daughter has been at Dawson since age 3 / pre-school and is now in kindergarten. We are extremely pleased with the school and our daughter has thrived. The school's approach to academics is modern and focuses on learning not just rote memorization but engages children to figure things out and inquire about how things work. And while the school encourages every child to do their best, it does not do so in an overly competitive atmosphere that can be judgmental or stressful. And the school's electives are impressive. They offer a vast array of technology, various art programs, and foreign language, including Mandarin, which I don't think can be found at any other Las Vegas school. Additionally, the school places a high value of developing the entire child, not just academics, but fostering confidence, leadership, conflict resolution and empathy - all necessary for any individual, young or old, to succeed. I couldn't recommend the school more to any family looking to provide a comprehensive academic and character building environment for their child.
Submitted by principal on November 09, 2020

Excellent. My children have attended for six and ten years. I wouldn't have them go anywhere else in Las Vegas. We stay in this town so that they can attend Dawson.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2020

When we made the decision to move cross country to Las Vegas, we took the time to visit many of the private schools in the area. As parents, we put a lot of emphasis on a high quality well rounded education that will benefit our kids now and in years to come, so it was important to us to really do our homework on this. It became very clear that Dawson was the right choice, providing the best of everything. The transition for our kids to this new environment was seamless, inviting and they could not be happier. The school does an excellent job combining advanced academics, competitive athletics and the numerous arts programs. The faculty help mold the kids in to the best possible learners, with the ability to differentiate instruction and really foster each kids strengths. Dawson is providing the opportunity for our kids to become even more empathetic people while pushing them to learn and try new things. It is an environment that we believe will best prepare our kids for high school and beyond, pushing them academically, socially and personally. We highly recommend Dawson, as it was one of the best decisions we’ve made!
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2020

My daughter is in her 4th year at Alexander Dawson, and my husband and I are so grateful for the opportunities she's had in both Early Childhood and Lower School. Not only is my daughter a full grade-level above where she should be in core subjects like Literacy, Writing, and Math, she is also several grade levels above her non-Dawson peers when it comes to her social-emotional intelligence, her character, her problem solving and STEAM skills, and her awareness of the core issues of our time. When my daughter started at Dawson, she was a shy introvert. While she's still an introvert, now she loves speaking up in her classes, flourishes as a public speaker and performer, and easily makes friends. Alexander Dawson deeply cares about its students and their families, goes above and beyond providing support (academically and socially-emotionally), and we've made amazing, lifelong friends with families who share or educational and social values. I highly recommend the school.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2020

My son went to another private school for PreK, when it was time to go to Kindergarten, I visited and researched every private and charter school in the Las Vegas area. After our visit to Dawson, I knew it was THE best school and right for my son. The campus which is just the icing on the cake is the most beautiful campus I have ever seen for an EC-8th grade school. My son must have "overheard" some conversations with my husband over the summer because when I picked him up the 2nd day of school, he said, "mama I LOVE school, you picked good." That made my heart full and happy. We absolutely love everything about Dawson. My son is now in 1st grade and he loves going to school every single day. Dawson has researched every single aspect of everything you can and cannot imagine for the school. My son is thriving academically, socially, and emotionally. Both sides of our family are in awe of the education that our son is receiving at Dawson and what a great young boy he is! Even with everything that is going on in the World, my son continues to excel at Dawson, they have thought of everything to take care of their students safety, health, wellbeing and the students continue to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Dawson cares about their students, parents, teachers and faculty. In addition, Dawson offers so many opportunities for parents to learn and grow through events like Parent University, Parent Association, monthly Morning Coffee Chats and community building events for the Dawson families. I highly recommend Dawson! One of the best decisions I have made in my life for my son who is my World!
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2020

When we moved to Las Vegas 3 1/2 years ago, we looked at several of the private schools in the area. After our visit to Dawson, we knew it was the right school for our daughter and our family. We absolutely loved the feeling of Dawson - from the kids in the hallways to the teachers to the administrators. It felt right - it felt like home. Our daughter is in her fourth year at Dawson and she loves school and her teachers. The experience has been even better than we'd hoped for. Through a focus on social, emotional, and academic learning, Dawson nurtures each student's strengths and builds on individual learning styles. Dawson offers multiple opportunities for parents to learn and grow as well, through events like Parent University and monthly Morning Coffee Chats. Dawson students and their families also look forward to the fun community building events held throughout the year. We are happy we chose Dawson and we are proud members of the Dawson Community.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2020

This school has a healthy culture of encouragement and growth. It's academically challenging, but teachers have freedom to find ways to make learning fun, and students aren't afraid to make mistakes. The administration stays current on education research and continually makes improvements.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2019

kids are being taught skills designed to succeed for the 21st century and beyond. love this school and its philosophies.
Submitted by student on August 01, 2019

As a graduate of Dawson, I had only the best educational experience. Our teachers cared greatly about our moral development and academic achievement, attending to each of us individually. This is certainly the best elementary school in Las Vegas. Without hesitation I recommend Dawson to any parent who desires a top educational experience for their children.