Robots, cameras and tortoises: CCSD hosts magnet school choice fair

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Clark County School District held one of its Choice Fairs Saturday, showcasing the district’s magnet school programs to families in the valley.

Over 1,000 families showed up to see what sets magnet schools apart from the rest with programs focusing on music, theater, broadcast media and more.

Magnet schools from across the valley showcased something for everyone, from animals to machines.

CCSD’s Magnet Schools Director Sheryl Colgan believes this way of educating doesn’t just prepare students for the future but also gives them something to look forward to during the school year.

“These opportunities are so important for students because the number one thing we need for our children is for them to be engaged and excited about school,” Colgan said.

Teachers who work face-to-face with students at magnet programs say that engagement pays off. Teachers like Nevada’s 2024 Teacher of the Year Laura Jeanne Penrod, an English teacher at Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

“You really see their development take shape once they leave us and they also realize how ready they are to be adults,” Penrod said.

Parents like Amanda Harris were happy to be at the choice fair, with the opportunity to hear from the valley’s 45 magnet schools in one place.

“I love it. I’m always down for a one-stop shop. The opportunity to talk to all of them at one time and see what their offers are, what they’re offering, and get to speak to the educators and the students because their voice really matters,” Harris said.

CCSD’s next Choice Fair is December 7 at Del Sol Academy of the Arts from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

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