Schools Serving the Waterfall Neighborhood

Comprehensive guide to public, charter, and private school options for families in the Waterfall community of North Las Vegas

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Education Options for Waterfall Families

Access to quality education is a top priority for families considering a move to the Waterfall neighborhood, and the community is well-served by schools at all levels. The Waterfall area falls within the Clark County School District (CCSD), the fifth-largest school district in the United States, which provides comprehensive educational programs from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Beyond the zoned public schools, Waterfall families have access to numerous educational alternatives including charter schools, magnet programs, and private institutions throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Nevada's school choice policies provide flexibility for families to select educational environments that best match their children's needs and their family's educational philosophy.

Dr. Jan Duffy understands that school quality is often a decisive factor in home purchasing decisions. She can provide detailed information about schools serving specific properties and help families understand their educational options as they explore homes in the Waterfall community.

Triggs Elementary School

Grades K-5
Type Public
District CCSD
Distance ~1 mile
Students ~600

Cadwallader Middle School

Grades 6-8
Type Public
District CCSD
Distance ~2 miles
Students ~1,200

Canyon Springs High School

Grades 9-12
Type Public
District CCSD
Distance ~3 miles
Students ~2,500

Zoned Public Schools for Waterfall

The Clark County School District assigns students to schools based on their home address, and the Waterfall neighborhood is zoned for a specific set of schools at each level. Understanding these zoned schools is important for families, as these are the schools children will attend unless parents choose alternative options through open enrollment, charter schools, or private education.

Triggs Elementary School

Triggs Elementary School serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and is the zoned elementary school for most Waterfall residents. Located approximately one mile from the community, Triggs provides convenient access for families with young children. The school offers a comprehensive elementary curriculum aligned with Nevada Academic Content Standards, preparing students for success in middle school and beyond.

Elementary education at Triggs includes core instruction in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, supplemented by special subjects including physical education, music, and art. The school also provides support services for students with special needs and English language learners, ensuring all students have access to appropriate educational resources.

Elementary School Programs

Like many CCSD elementary schools, Triggs offers various programs and services to support student success. These may include before and after school care programs, intervention services for students who need additional academic support, and enrichment opportunities for students who are ready for additional challenges. Parents are encouraged to contact the school directly for current program offerings and availability.

Cadwallader Middle School

Cadwallader Middle School serves students in grades six through eight, providing the transitional education that bridges elementary and high school. Located approximately two miles from Waterfall, Cadwallader offers a comprehensive middle school program that prepares students for the academic rigor of high school while supporting their social and emotional development during these formative years.

The middle school curriculum expands on elementary foundations, introducing more specialized instruction in core subjects and offering elective courses that allow students to explore their interests. Students at Cadwallader have opportunities to participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and academic competitions that enhance their educational experience.

Middle School Transition

The transition from elementary to middle school represents a significant change for students, and Cadwallader provides support to help students adjust to the new environment. This includes orientation programs for incoming sixth graders, counseling services, and academic support systems designed to help students succeed during this important transition period.

Canyon Springs High School

Canyon Springs High School serves students in grades nine through twelve and is the zoned high school for Waterfall residents. Located approximately three miles from the community, Canyon Springs offers a comprehensive high school program that prepares students for college, career, and life after graduation.

The high school curriculum includes required courses for graduation as well as numerous elective options that allow students to pursue their interests and prepare for their post-secondary goals. Canyon Springs offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students seeking college-level academic challenges, career and technical education programs that provide practical skills and industry certifications, and various extracurricular activities including athletics, performing arts, and student organizations.

College and Career Preparation

Canyon Springs High School provides comprehensive college and career counseling to help students plan for their futures. This includes guidance on course selection, college application processes, scholarship opportunities, and career exploration. The school's counselors work with students throughout their high school years to ensure they are on track to meet their post-graduation goals.

Clark County School District

The fifth-largest school district in the United States serving the Las Vegas Valley

300,000+ Students

One of the largest student populations in the nation

350+ Schools

Elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the valley

18,000+ Teachers

Dedicated educators serving diverse student needs

Alternative Education Options

While the zoned public schools provide quality education for Waterfall families, Nevada's school choice policies ensure that families have alternatives if they prefer different educational approaches. Understanding these options helps families make informed decisions about their children's education.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional school district structure, often with specialized educational approaches or focuses. Nevada has a robust charter school sector, and families in Waterfall have access to numerous charter options throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Popular charter networks in the area include Somerset Academy, which emphasizes college preparation and character development; Pinecrest Academy, known for its rigorous academic program; and Coral Academy, which offers a STEM-focused curriculum. These schools typically have open enrollment periods and may use lottery systems when applications exceed available spaces.

Charter School Considerations

When considering charter schools, families should research each school's educational philosophy, academic performance, and practical considerations like location and transportation. Unlike zoned public schools, charter schools may not provide transportation, which is an important factor for families without flexible schedules. Application deadlines and enrollment procedures vary by school, so early research and planning are essential.

Private Schools

The Las Vegas Valley offers numerous private school options for families seeking alternatives to public education. Private schools range from religious institutions affiliated with various faiths to secular preparatory schools focused on college preparation and academic excellence.

Notable private schools accessible from Waterfall include Faith Lutheran, a Lutheran-affiliated school offering education from preschool through high school; The Meadows School, an independent college preparatory school; and Bishop Gorman High School, a Catholic high school known for its strong academics and athletics programs. Private school tuition varies significantly, and many schools offer financial aid or scholarship programs for qualifying families.

Private School Benefits

  • Smaller class sizes and more individualized attention
  • Specialized educational philosophies or religious instruction
  • Enhanced extracurricular and athletic programs
  • Strong college preparation and placement support
  • Values-based education aligned with family beliefs

Magnet Programs and Special Schools

The Clark County School District operates various magnet programs and specialty schools that provide focused education in specific areas such as performing arts, STEM fields, international studies, and career and technical education. These programs are available to students throughout the district through an application process.

Magnet programs offer students the opportunity to pursue their interests and talents in depth while receiving a comprehensive education. Students from Waterfall can apply to these programs, though acceptance is competitive and transportation may need to be arranged by families.

Homeschooling

Nevada law permits homeschooling, and some Waterfall families choose this option for various reasons including flexibility, personalized instruction, or religious considerations. Homeschooling families must file a notice of intent with the school district and provide instruction in required subjects, but otherwise have significant flexibility in curriculum and methods.

The Las Vegas area has active homeschool communities that provide support, resources, and social opportunities for homeschooling families. Co-ops, sports leagues, and enrichment programs help homeschooled students access experiences beyond what individual families can provide.

Charter Schools

Publicly funded schools with specialized approaches. Free tuition with open enrollment. May require lottery for admission.

Religious Schools

Faith-based education integrating religious instruction with academics. Various denominations represented in the valley.

Magnet Programs

Specialized CCSD programs focusing on STEM, arts, or other areas. Competitive admission through district application.

Homeschooling

Parent-directed education at home. Flexible curriculum with active local support communities and co-ops.

Making School Decisions When Buying a Home

For families with school-age children or those planning to have children, school quality and options are often significant factors in home purchasing decisions. Dr. Jan Duffy understands this priority and can help families navigate the intersection of real estate and education as they explore homes in Waterfall.

Verifying School Zones

School zone boundaries can change, and it's important to verify current zoning for any specific property rather than relying on general neighborhood information. Dr. Duffy can help families confirm which schools serve particular addresses and provide information about any pending boundary changes that might affect future assignments.

Questions to Consider

  • Which schools is this specific address zoned for?
  • Are there any pending school boundary changes?
  • What charter or private schools are accessible from this location?
  • What is the commute to preferred schools?
  • Does the school district provide transportation from this address?

Researching School Quality

Families should conduct their own research into school quality using multiple sources. The Nevada Department of Education provides school performance data, and various third-party websites offer ratings and reviews. However, statistics only tell part of the story—visiting schools, talking to current families, and understanding each school's culture and approach provides important context that numbers alone cannot capture.

Dr. Duffy can connect families with resources for school research and, when appropriate, with other families in the community who can share their experiences with local schools. This firsthand perspective often proves valuable in making informed decisions about both homes and schools.

Find Your Family's Perfect Home Near Great Schools

Contact Dr. Jan Duffy to learn more about homes in Waterfall and the schools that serve them

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