Explore Knowledge Academy

5871 South Mountain Vista Street

School District

Clark County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:26
Type

charter

School Map for Clark County School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on March 20, 2023

This school looks special at first, and it was for a bit but after a while issues happen. Now, kids will be kids but at here they’re mental. Secondary and High school students share the same building and they’re ruthless. I was bullied and harassed from older students and fellow peers. People stole from others and have no shame. The teachers are a bit better, some taught fine but many teachers are terrible at teaching, where do they find their teachers from? The nurse is horrible aswell. I once felt terribly sick and right after my classes I went there, and guess what? The nurse sent me to go eat something at lunch. I had a fever and was very sick. The administration is meh. In the end, I developed mental issues and I am begging anyone and everyone not to send their child to this school.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2022

Terrible terrible school. Terrible terrible administrators. Elementary school is ok. Middle school and high school programs are a joke- kids get to sign up for an "elective" class once a month such as bracelet making, playing with legos, life skills-where they teach kids how to boil water on a hot plate to make soup and how to change a tire. They tout themselves as project based learning with an emphasis on STEAM, but they are not. The schools main focus seems to be hiring under qualified staff for cheap and training them to be teachers, firing the qualified college educated teachers that question their poor leadership decisions, and separating parents from their money with constant fundraising and asking for donations that don't fund anything at the school, but the superintendent's new car every year.
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2022

I would only EVER recommend on campus. Their homeschooling is the most terribly organized program I've ever seen. Let alone for kindergarteners. EXTREMELY unsupportive and ridiculous. On campus- complete opposite. RUN from the online program. I paid for it and regretted every penny. It's too stressful for a kindergartener. They hate school now. Making kindergarteners sew is dangerous! Returning assignments because ONE page from the entire module is missing and giving a flat zero until it's complete. then not updating grades when it's complete is ABSURD! Way to show kids their effort goes unnoticed. Very unsatisfied. You guys should've stuck solely to on campus- this would've been 5 stars.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2022

Much better than an average private school. Forget the public schools where you are shooting in the dark to find a teacher who cares. Here the teachers get less money but are very caring to give their best to the kids. The kindness abounds here. No bad mannered people or parents. I have two kids here and would be willing to keep the kids here even if we move far away! 4 days schooling gives us more flexibility to enjoy the family life. I have seen some low stars by some people toward this school but I hope they try other places before judging this place based on anger and haste and later rethink what they wrote. Generally people never see the flaws in entire system and blame by rushing to judgements. We are extremely happy to be part of the school for the second year.
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2022

This school has been very supportive. They have always listen to my concerns and provided great feedback. Teachers really care about their students.
Submitted by other on August 08, 2021

I graduated from here in 2020. I was at this school from K-12 my entire life. My sister was there 1st grade to graduation and it is a wonderful place to be. No student has ever been there longer than us, maybe equal to but never longer. You would be amazed at the growth of both the school and the people in it when you give it a chance. If you just show up and do what you are told which is not rocket science, you will learn here, you will make good friends, your teachers will be there for you. Even when you misbehave or are troublesome, you still get the help you need as teachers are so kind as to usually offer afterschool help or even in class further in depth descriptions. The people who have something bad to say about their experience were typically the ones at fault, not the school. Everyone is so willing to get you to your own personal goals and more that it is actually astonishing how generous most of these teachers, staff, and even the STUDENTS really are. Being there for so long, of course I have had bad encounters, but the school offers so many different ways to help each individual get through them. The student themselves just needs to use the resources given to them and stay on their own path of greatness. Graduating from this school has helped more than just my basic knowledge of the classes, they helped me learn how to make connections, how to present things correctly, how to speak and write, how to problem solve, this school is one that teaches more than just the basics of math, English, and science. EKA teaches you life and there is no better preparation for the real world than that.
Submitted by other on March 19, 2021

In short: if your child is smart, focused, and absolutely never will have depression that can be taken advantage of, go for this school. Otherwise avoid it.I had graduated from this school a couple years ago and it was an uphill battle to do so. Without going into too much detail on the logistics of what happened and why, I had been put through special education classes in a fashion that was very questionable legally to say the least. It was a very tough time in my life where I was experiencing depression on top of that. The special ed teachers were very toxic and often discouraging for my education which caused me to slip further behind in grades for a while. There were many points where they even forced themselves into my normal classrooms for other students to notice and they had often berated me and mocked me for my personal and career goals. In one instance, I had taken a career survey and was outright told verbatim "you know you're not going to get a job in that field, right?" By one of the teachers. In another instance, I was nearly suspended for accidentally slamming a door that was too loose. These teachers will assume you are very dumb just because of the unfortunate circumstances they possibly forced you into. This is an experience that I still feel immense trauma over, and it's very unfortunate to learn that these employees are still at the school according to the website.My normal classes were very much the safe space when these things weren't being invasive, my English, History, and Advisory (essentially study hall) teachers in particular were some of the kindest people I have ever met and were very supportive. They helped set me up for success in a way that the other teachers weren't even close to being able to. These teachers were the ones you could tell cared about making sure students succeeded and I appreciate that immensely.In terms of other students and bullying, I had made some good friends with only occasional bullying that would be addressed when called out. Most of the bullying as mentioned had come from the special education staff. Staff has a tendency to harass as well as sugarcoat or hyperbolize information when confronting parents, leading to trust issues with higher level staff. Only consider this school if your child is the absolute bog standard of "normal", otherwise prepare for tons of uphill battles. My experiences as mentioned still bring about trauma with how terrible they were.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2020

Overwhelmingly horrible. I had very high hopes for this school and counted myself and my family very lucky when Alana was accepted into a charter school. I was sold on how exclusive it is and was very happy that she had passed the test and that her name was picked. I couldn't believe my luck! Now, after three and a half miserable years of trying to deal with Gustafson and her gang, I'm just glad that my daughter's out!
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2019

If I could give the school a zero, I would. They have no real care for the students. Projects are way above my son's grade level. They push 3rd grade on the 2nd graders unlike what they told me at the beginning which was the child would be placed accordingly in their grade level if need be. Now they just tell me that this is how they do it. Its unacceptable.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2018

Extremely satisfied, great teachers and we love the project based instruction style. Kids presenting what they learned to other kids is great. Such a great concept !
Submitted by student on June 07, 2017

I would rate my school experience that it is a great school.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2017

My son goes to EKA and is thriving. The envolvment of the teachers and staff is amazing. I am kept in the loop on his progress and if he is falling behind they will contact us and work with us to fix it. He is the happiest he has ever been at any school. He has made great friends that have become beloved by my family as well. The kindness and values taught to these kids will stick with then for a lifetime
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2017

Both my children have been at EKA since kindergarten. I love the smaller size of the school and the commitment of the teachers and staff. The project based learning not only helps kids learn to synthesize information from many sources, but also to speak effectively to a group of their peers. Who wouldn't have been better off learning that in elementary school? EKA also fosters a culture of kindness to others that seems to be missing in many other schools. We're very happy to be a part of EKA.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2017

My daughter has been going to EKA since second grade and I love that it is a no bully school. Seriously, I have not heard once of a bullying going on at EKA. We love EKA. The staff really cares about all their students. I love EKA because the staff is always having fun with the students all during the week with special events and fun days to keep it fun for the students and learning as well. My duaghter loves EKA because all her friends are so nice and caring and smart just like my little girl. Everyone cares about being kind to one another. I have never met a kinder, caring and loving-spirited group of kids. PL
Submitted by other on December 02, 2016

This is my sons 2nd year at EKA. He is currently in the 2nd grade . My son has learned so much since going to this school . they have different teachers for each subject. My son doesn't get bored. The kids get more attention having different advisors vs just being stuck in 1 class 1 teacher and a lot of students. My son loves waking up going to school . its challenging and not for everyone. My son tested above district level at EKA. Quick responses from advisors. Very well organized . I just hate the traffic.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2016

We have loved our experience at EKA so far! The teachers have been wonderful; I truly appreciate how quickly they respond when I email them a question. The office staff is helpful and friendly. I love the community spirit they have!
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

this school is the best! The way they divide the subjects they teach guarantee that your child will not be left behind or get bored. Through project learning my children actually learn and remember the things being taught, and they have so much fun that I don't have to constantly be on them to do their homework. The teachers answer any questions or concerns you have almost immediately and the rest of the staff is extremely helpful.
Submitted by student on October 06, 2015

Hi. I'm a senior at EKA. This is my tenth year being at this school and I believe that is the best school around. I have been given a great education and believe that this school had made it so I am ready for the real world. The teachers in this school have always cared about me and my fellow students and are always trying to help us in anyway that they can. Yes this school is harder then most and yes its not for everyone. But you learn so much more through this teaching model and it prepares you for life in the outside world. I hope this review will be helpful to parents looking into the school I have spent most of my academic career at.
Submitted by teacher on July 22, 2015

I have found EKA to be a remarkable public charter school for many reasons! EKA is a project-based school where students learn through their own individual self-directed research. Each student has his/her own iPad at school, which adds to the students’ abilities to research on-line resources as well as to utilize traditional methods, i.e., books, etc. All of the above, to say --- I have witnessed the growth of students throughout multiple projects, each project requiring research and a presentation to be given at the end of the project. Project presentations are given to peers, their advisor, and parents in attendance. Not only do the students learn more and more about research, but they also become familiar and more comfortable with public speaking. At some grade levels, there are also group projects. This entails still another whole, wonderful dynamic. It is so amazing to see the growth and transformation of many students. Many of the students have shared that they feel proud of their work performed and indeed of their success! This, as a teacher, as a mother, and as a person who loves to see students excel in their education and in their pride of themselves, is a very rewarding experience!In addition to the curriculum, the teaching programs, and the technology afforded to the students, I have found communication among the staff, administration, and the teachers to be remarkable and rewarding! When the main focus of a school and its employees is directed towards students and their successes, both academically and emotionally, the end result naturally leads towards a positive end. Communication includes ongoing review, discussion, and change if and when needed. I have found this to be an ongoing, positive quality with the staff, administration, and teachers at EKA. Ongoing communication with parents is also a MUST and takes place in numerous forms such as through emails, phone contact, parent/teacher conferences and newsletters, to name a few. The school website as well as Facebook are additional means of communication. I am happy to be a part of Explore Knowledge Academy and its mission to “Provide Personalized Learning through Educational Discovery, Creating LEADERS/One Project at a Time.”Jackie W, a teacher
Submitted by teacher on July 14, 2015

I, Calvert Webster, have been a teacher at Explore Knowledge Academy for 10 years. I love this school. I am going to tell you why you will love it, too.The list of reasons are plentiful, and they include the following: smaller class sizes, personal attention from your teachers, tough love, creative opportunities, challenges, successes, a safe environment but nowhere to hide, and a place where you can choose to be a part of our family.