About Us
Inquiry-Based Instruction
The inquiry-based learning model is important because it allows students to explore and ask questions about the world around them, instead of regurgitating facts. This type of learning helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Learning Experiences
Learning must extend beyond the four walls of a classroom. At NVSI, we bring learning to life through real world experiences during our many field trips. Students have the opportunity to connect what they are learning to real life through service, community engagement, and exploring nature.
Units of Instruction
NVSI uses carefully designed inquiry-based instructional units that connect across all curricular areas. This provides students with opportunities to explore content by connecting what they are learning to the real-world, in order to solve real-world problems.
Relationships
NVSI only enrolls a maximum of 28 students. The small, personalized environment promotes acceptance, belonging, and creates a family atmosphere.
Whole Student
We focus on all aspects of intellectual and character growth, attending to the social and emotional needs of our students. With our small enrollment criteria, students get the time and attention they deserve.
Tuition Cost
Tuition for NVSI is $11,000 per school year.
Payments can be paid monthly with a deposit of $1,000 to start, and installments of $1,000 per month (Aug-May).
Tuition covers all school supplies, application fees, testing fees, and all single-day class trips.
NVSI is registered with Nevada Choice Scholarship Program (Opportunity Scholarship).
Tuition is pro-rated for late enrollment.
Additional Costs
Our mandatory end-of-year field trip is an additional cost. The trip cost varies each year. Fundraising opportunities are available throughout the year for this trip.
NVSI does not currently offer food service or transportation.
Required Technology
Students are required to bring their own laptop computer, iPad with keypad, chromebook, or surface with at least 2.4GHz Wifi connection. Fire tablets are not compatible with all of our programs.
Enrollment
Enrollment at NVSI is limited to 28 students to ensure targeted instruction.
FAQ's
What “type” of student is NVSI best for?
Simple Answer - NVSI is best for any student that cares about their education. If you are concerned about your current educational arrangement, we may be here to help! Whether it is not being challenged academically, having challenges academically, not having emotional support, experiencing anxiety, being distracted, running with the wrong crowd, we welcome all who seek a change.
Does your school have a State license to operate?
Yes, we are a licensed private school in the State of Nevada. More about Nevada State private school requirements and listings can be found HERE.
What is your maximum enrollment?
28 students. Our goal is to provide students with the attention they deserve.
How does it work with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade in one classroom?
We operate as a one room schoolhouse the majority of the day. Our program is a three-year program where students will exit with exposure to all Middle School content standards. Science, Social Studies, PE, and Electives are all completed together with mixed grade levels. Math and ELA are taught in small groups that are differentiated by working levels.
What is inquiry-based learning?
Inquiry-based learning is a teaching style that focuses on students seeking answers through experiences rather than being fed information. Inquiry-based instruction focuses on questioning for problem solving. We want students to have the skills necessary to use claims, evidence, and reasoning to solve real-world problems.
Which curriculum do you use?
We teach the Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS). We utilize a variety of inquiry-based programs to provide high quality lessons and experiences. Some of the programs that we utilize are Full Option Science System (FOSS), Novel Studies, Illustrative Mathematics, Teachers Curriculum Institute (TCI), CommonLit, EL Education, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers, and Patterns of Power.
What makes NVSI different than other middle schools?
The small nature of our school ensures that the instructors build a relationship with each and every student. The instructors are more than teachers, they are coaches that meet each student where they are and develop an individualized plan to support and challenge each student at their level. In a traditional middle school, most teachers have over 150 students and struggle to provide each child with the attention they deserve and need.
At NVSI, all instruction is based on units that weave concepts through each curricular area. Each unit also includes multiple real-world experiences that get students out of the classroom and talking to experts to add to the content and understanding of the unit.
At NVSI, we believe in strong long-lasting relationships. Outside of school, we have activities monthly that bring families together to build a stronger community. These activities include hiking, camping, skating, pool parties, picnics, and more! In addition, our students lead student-parent conferences three times a year to inform families and teachers of goals and progress.
Team
Founders and Directors
Christina and Eric Threeton
Christina and Eric Threeton are a dynamic educator couple from Las Vegas, who have been teaching and leading schools locally for over a decade. Christina and Eric started their journey in education as teachers in the Clark County School District, before moving into the local State charter school system. They have been a part of starting new schools, and helping schools grow to achieve the State's highest ranking of 5-stars. Each had been serving as administrators for different Las Vegas charter schools, before bringing that momentum and success to the Nevada School of Inquiry.
Christina holds a B.S. in Elementary Education, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a M.Ed in Educational Leadership. Born and raised in Las Vegas, she has a love for the city, local natural wonders, and the Las Vegas community. Eric holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and M.Ed in Educational Leadership. Originally from New England, Eric fell in love with the desert and moved to Las Vegas after serving in the United States Marine Corps. Christina and Eric both hold Nevada State K-8 teaching licenses with endorsements as school administration.
Christina and Eric enjoy the outdoors, traveling, and exploring new places, which is also the driving force behind their educational philosophy. Along with bringing their passion for exploration to Las Vegas youth, they strive to instill the value of helping others, as both are heavily involved in community service.
Board President
Sherry Pendleton
Sherry Pendleton has a passion for innovative educational approaches to meet the various learning styles, personalities, and interests of our nation's youth. She holds a bachelor's in education and master's in educational leadership with over 20 years' experience as a classroom teacher, a school administrator, and in assisting schools in raising student achievement. Sherry has experience in startup schools and while serving as principal of a K-8 charter school she and her leadership team guided the school in achieving and maintaining the State's highest academic ranking of 5-stars. Sherry has a strong commitment to building relationships with students and the value of active learning. She is honored to serve as a founding board member of Nevada School of Inquiry.
Board Treasurer
Michael Woodfield
Michael Woodfield is the Las Vegas Market Executive at JP Morgan Chase & Co. He is responsible for providing treasury management, credit, capital markets, and corporate finance advisory solutions to corporations, municipalities and not-for profits. His immeasurable knowledge allows him to provide clients with customized, comprehensive solutions and exceptional service. Michael is a master networker, and is involved in various non-profits here in the Las Vegas Valley. His own children were taught by both Eric and Christina during their middle school years, so he is excited to help provide such a service to Las Vegas youth!
Board Secretary
Kelsie Buhl
Kelsie Buhl owns local photography studio and event space, The Gathering Place. She is also the founder of homeschool alternative, The Village Schoolhouse for grades K-2 (and growing). Kelsie has a heart that is driven by connection and people, which is probably why she has two businesses that incorporate both! She is a wife and mother of three who loves good food, good friends, and anything Disney. Kelsie brings marketing and business expertise to our team, and we are glad to welcome her to our Board of Trustees.
Nevada Choice Scholarship Program (Opportunity Scholarship)
NVSI is part of a select group of private schools registered for the Opportunity Scholarship. Schools participating in the program report student growth data to the State, to ensure funds are being spent on quality education.
Children whose families meet specific income guidelines could be eligible to receive Opportunity Scholarships up to $8,000 per student or more, per year.*
There are six approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO) in Nevada. Click below for a list of active SGO's.
*Nevada School of Inquiry does not send or accept scholarship applications for the Nevada Choice Scholarship program. Parents and guardians must apply directly with the Scholarship Grant Organizations. Participation in the Nevada Choice Scholarship Program is an exclusive agreement between families and granting Scholarship Grant Organization.
Need Help?
NVSI is glad to help navigate the process of applying for State scholarships. Please contact [email protected] with any questions!
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