Challenger School - Silverado

1725 E Serene Ave

Las Vegas, NV 89123

31 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 12, 2022

As with most private schools in the LV area, be very LEERY of the faculty. As mentioned in other reviews, it is very difficult to recruit degreed/credentialed/experienced teachers in LV. We did a tour of this school & they were transparent about most items EXCEPT the credentials for their teachers. We soon realized that a degreed theater arts teacher was teaching computer science, both English & Math teachers were not degreed or credentialed in those subject areas, etc. For $20K+, I expect those teachers to be more capable in core subjects than either my wife or I. For Las Vegas in general, if you are a no-nonsense parent who wants the best education for your child, it's either HIS (K-8) or Meadows (K-12)...period. CCSD has the overall best degreed/credentialed/tenured teachers, but class size is unmanageable so classroom effectiveness drops off considerably. So you have to choose, less effectiveness from a qualified teacher or more individualized attention from a less qualified teacher...or pay $25K at Meadows or a little less at HIS presuming your kid can get in to either one of those. The denominational schools simply cannot hire the quality of teachers required to get the job done or provide for the extracurricular activities to enhance your child's experience.
Submitted by other on July 04, 2021

I went to this location from the 3yr old program until 6th grade. Challengers preschool is the best out there. Attending the preschool here gives you a huge head start. After 1st grade you either hate it or love it. Homework is always assigned rarely a day where you don't have it, and there is a lot. The teachers really didn't pay that much attention to whether you did it or not. I personally did 0 math homework from 4-6 grade and still passed with a B when the homework was 30% of your grade. Sometimes the homework felt like busy work and had no real purpose. The teachers were either great or lacking really no in between. I had teachers that I loved and teachers I hated. Some teachers I felt were over qualified and deserved to be teaching at a much higher paying school and some I wonder how they even got the job. The teachers either cared about you and wanted you to embrace learning or were just there to babysit you and get paid. The staff seemed to not care what you did as long as they didn't see it or someone tattled on you. The principal changed many times when I was there so there was no real leadership amongst the staff members. This school teaches great character. You learn songs and poems that teach you how to be a self respecting human being and many of the lessons have a underlying message of perseverance honesty justice etc. This school teaches you how to respect other human beings (even though this lesson goes over some kids heads). I think if you value character this is a good school. Challenger is a one size fits all. You either keep up with the curriculum or you fail. They don't stop and teach a lesson for longer because some kids don't get it. This paired with lackluster teachers and poor communication between teachers and parents leads to many kids struggling. I was in the same class with 2 of my best friends all the way from kinder to 6th grade with class sizes only getting smaller as you moved higher up. There was only one class for each grade starting around 4th grade. If you were being bullied if was highly unlikely the bully would be in a different class from you the next year. The school also approaches bullying from a don't tattle on others and stand up for yourself, until that actually happened and then you would be the one in trouble and the bully would get away Scott free. This school also has lacking computer and art classes. Only teaching outdated coding languages and spending 15 min once a week on art
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2020

This school has gone downhill since we started there. The material just is not being taught in the class anymore. It used to be that they had higher quality teachers. Now that the CCSD has hired every available degreed, licensed teacher, the teachers at Challenger are mostly moms and dads of the kids going there. Very few have a college education. And if one of their kids does something wrong, nothing will happen to them and your kid will be blamed. All this and you pay a fortune. It has turned into a money making operation for the corporation. Barbara Baker would be ashamed of what her school has turned in to.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2016

I have 2 children who have attended since the 3 year old program; they are now in 2nd & 3rd grade. In the past, we've been allowed to pick them up and sit with them on campus while they complete their homework. This has been a great way to stay involved, get to know other parents, as well as interact with the teachers. This year, they have a new Headmaster who has changed all of the policies and it's a nightmare. We are not allowed to even enter the school to pick up our kids; car line is strictly enforced. We aren't allowed to attend holiday parties, but we are, however, encouraged to pay for them. Parents are 100% discouraged from being involved with their children. This will be my last year writing the $25,000 annual check to Challenger.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2016

I hardly have writen any reviews. But I feel i have to let the parents in Henderson know how great this school is. Let me tell you, until you experience it you will not understand what you are missing. Or until you go to another private school you will not realise the value for money at Challenger. Every dollar you pay is towards your own child'S development. Not only the challenging curriculam but the art of nurturing is excellent here. Your kid will be totally independent by 4 years and will be able to read on his own. If you are parent who is looking for a challenging curriculam and who strongly believes in academic excellence please don't overlook this school. My kid is in a private school now as well, but it's no where closer to challengerschool. My kid thinks its a baby school. That's right, if you go to challenger everyother place would look like baby school. Other private schools are much expensive and you have to give a sum to the annual fund and etc etc. Where as in challenger you don't have to worry about these. Everyone has one goal that is academic excellence along good social skills. Ms. Carol and Ms. Sarah of PK 3 we're great. They have the passion for teaching and concentrate on each child to make sure they are picking up things. If I get a chance I will be back in Henderson just to continue in Challenger.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2015

THE HEADMASTER is terrible! She always claims she is available, but when you try , you will not get a chance to talk to her, usually she's out doing personal errands and claims she is at a meeting. RUN far away! Also, this school wants NO parent involvement, just running a dictatorship. The teachers are not certified and lower schools teachers are literally off the streets!!!!!! LOW CLASS, and NOT EDUCATED. GO elsewhere! check out their ADD for hiring new teachers in the review journal: " NO EXPERIENCE NECCESSARY".
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2015

Challenger is a wonderful school. My oldest daughter has attended Challenger for the past 5 years and my youngest daughter started pre-school last August. Although Expectations are high for the children-The teachers challenge their students in a supportive and nurturing environment. There is an emphasis on character development which I really appreciate. The kids treat one another with kindness and respect. The focus is on matters of importance--academics, the environment, social responsibility--and not overly focused on pop culture. It has been a great fit for my daughters and well worth the money we pay.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2015

This review is for the Silverado campus. All of my children have attended for PS-3 through K. I honestly have nothing but praise. Both my older girls are excelling. My youngest is in PS3 and already can ID all letters and sounds and is reading small words. My 5 yr old is reading at a 3rd grade level. If you are looking for a school to coddle your child, this isn't the one for you. They are strict, which my kids needed. No, there is no library, computer room or sports, but that's where parent involvement comes in. I found all teachers to be open, the office staff, not so much. But my contact with them has been minimal. This school is the best jump start you could give your child.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2015

My daughter went to Challenger Silverado K- 5th grade. I chose it because it is close to my work and the curriculum in the lower grades was good. I finally took her out in 5th grade because the teaching quality had declined and I noted what many other parents did about favoritism. I also didn't want my daughter brainwashed by teacher's personal political views. The teacher actually asked a class of 4th graders whether they were democrats or republicans! She then went on to deride members of the other party! I also noted that the kids who received the awards were the same every year and had smiling little Caucasian faces. I said enough is enough and now I drive across town to send her to Meadows. Well worth the extra money and none of the racial bias.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2015

I absolutely would not reccomend this school. They Brainwash the kids into "thinking" they are free thinkers... And that they teach the constitution , however not once you're their. None of the teachers actually enjoy working their and the staff is the most un professional. The head master sits in her office all day and does not like to communicate with parents. Soooo many parents have left as a result of the head master. The lower schools teachers have barely a high school degree, no college degree required and None are certified. My daughter didn't get an academic award because I'm not a staff member there either. Hopefully after review, they won't ask a teacher to write their own to "UP" their score on here, just as a few have been asked. Don't get sucked in!!!!
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2015

The Challenger curriculum post-Kindergarten is one size fits all; they do not account for different learning levels, and it is not well-rounded. There is no music class, no gym for PE, no art class, no program for social growth, no science lab. Very formal setting, limited social interaction not much time to be a kid, at school or at home. Challenger lacks greatly in communication. If you have a question for the teacher you must call in and leave a message and wait to have your call returned. Handful of times I have popped in to use the open door, it was closed and I had to make an appointment. There is no online access, nor can you email the teacher or call her/him directly. You can email the elementary director, but sometimes hard to get a reply. Parents are discouraged from coming into the school and all but forced to use car line. The reason we left was because Challenger placed my daughter with an unqualified teacher, twice. Teachers are mostly uncertified and several of them lack teaching experience. Staff is not an ally in learning.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2014

While the first few years were an excellent experience for my child, this year's has changed quite a bit. My child has not been challenged by the well rounded curriculum that is advertised and I feel that the administration change has a lot to do with it. I am glad my child will no longer be attending this school and will be given a chance to be a thinker and not a follower.
Submitted by other on September 23, 2014

Challenger School has a mission to teach students to be responsible citizens, to be honest and respectful of others, to love and respect our United States, but most of all they educate and do so very effectively. Children leave the 2 !/2 year old class reading, and dedication to teach is priority. This is not a day care, a play day, or mayhem in class environment, it is not a Drama, Arts, or Performing arts school. At the same time watching my Grand-daughter perform beautiful winter and fall shows, seeing Art and music incorporated in her curriculum each day and watching her grow in each of those classed along with her other classes makes me so proud of her own effort and determination to succeed. Twice a day she has recess. The curriculum at Challenger School is well rounded and balanced. Not one time has my Grand Girl received unfair treatment and the teachers are always willing to help her if she struggles. This type of dedication is obvious in the environment of the school reflecting directly on the Head Master, Directors, and the Teachers.
Submitted by teacher on September 17, 2014

I have enjoyed working as a teacher for the past few years at Challenger. I love that Challenger starts teaching phonics at three years old in the preschool program and then continues to build on that foundation well into the upper grades. As a teacher, I have enjoyed watching my students' confidence grow as they excel academically.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2014

The administration people are awful especially the headmaster. They will make you repeat classes just because of shyness or because your son is active in class. they want kids to be robots. Thank God I'm not in that school any longer. Just don't wait your money, if you want your kids to be early reader just take them to Kumon. My advise is don't waist your moneyyyyyyy
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2014

I agree of what your saying about the staff and front desk people Thank god some of the teachers are still nice not like those administration people that are rude and don't care but themselves.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2014

Our child's school is Challenger located at Silverado (NV) campus. One thing that is very obvious when one enters a room full of children, a Challenger student stands out. To be more precise overtly they display all the characteristics that a proud parent desires. The first one, that one notices is there overall consideration and respect for there environment. This not only includes other children, but also there confidence in relating with adults and other problem solving issues. Secondly it should be noted, that they achieve proper enter action with kindness and intelligence to the most casual observer. Last but not least, it is obvious these Challenger students are becoming nurtured to be the leaders of the next generation of which we will be proud of!! This summarizes the Challenger way!!
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2014

I use to love this school but now with the new directors all they seem to be after is money. They will send you letters and make phone calls to you for a very small amount. One of my daughters is in a Per K class that has 2 teachers but 30 kids in it when we wear told they would never have more then 24 kids in a class. This school has really changed and not for the good.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2014

Think twice on enrolling your child here, and know what you are paying for. The school doesn't allow kids to take home in-class materials. There is lack of culture in the school, a lack of accountability with the teachers (they put the accountability on the student), a lack of parental involvement and there is no PTA. There is no school principle, just a headmaster and good luck on getting access to any school records on your child. There is no discipline on students that act out either; they make students write an apology letter 6 times on what they did wrong. At the end of the year they have their award ceremony. If you child does not receive one, your child is still forced to attend and watch the ceremony. Students start learning basic multiplication in the first grade, division in the second grade and basic algebra in the third grade. Students start learning to read in late preschool. Often students are rushed to eat their lunches. Older grades are always scheduled to eat later than younger grades. Despite the growth of the school, teachers are often coming and going every new school year. Challenger is always hiring. Also, there are no field trips or no school library.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2014

My boys have each attended this school since they were 4 years old. They have always been given firm, yet fair treatment, and they have exceeded all of their peers in academics and maturity for learning. We have been at the school for over 7 years. Through trials and tragedy, this school and their staff have been loving and supportive to our family and have always given our children a desire to learn and achieve and to work independently and challenge themselves. Their high grades are their rewards, they need no other incentives. They are so far ahead of their peers, it's ridiculous. When our friends have conversations with our kids. They always ask "what school do they go to? Challenger?? Keep them there, your boys are remarkable." Another thing I might add, at this school, the cool kids are the ones who get the good grades, the ones that the other kids strive to be like. And they monitor them closely, no cell phones, no texting, no electronics allowed. They leave the school when their parents pick them up. It's a safe and secure environment. I only wish they went all the way to 12.