The Adelson Educational Campus: A Legacy of Education and Community in Summerlin
The Adelson Educational Campus, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, stands as a testament to a unique blend of rigorous college preparatory education and the enduring traditions of Jewish community values. Situated on 14 acres in The Hills Village of Summerlin, it distinguishes itself as Nevada’s only Jewish school offering education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The campus comprises three schools: The Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy (Lower School), the Adelson Middle School, and the Adelson Upper School.
The Genesis of Summerlin: A Visionary Beginning
The story of the Adelson Educational Campus is intertwined with the development of Summerlin itself. It began when Howard Robard Hughes, Jr., acquired 30,000 acres along the western edge of the Las Vegas valley for a mere $3 per acre. This land was envisioned as a potential relocation site for his California-based business interests.
Early Development and Community Building
The Meadows School, a premier private college preparatory institution founded by Carloyn G. Goodman and Dr. LeOre Cobbley, marked an early educational milestone, opening in Summerlin on land donated by Howard Hughes. Hughes also funded the completion of Summerlin Parkway, a vital artery connecting Summerlin to Las Vegas.
The official commencement of Summerlin's development began with The Hills, the community’s first village. This 394-acre residential area was anchored by The Hills Park, flanked by Ernest A. Becker, Sr. Middle School, and TPC Summerlin, the area's first golf course. This village organization fostered a sense of intimacy within the expansive community.
Growth and Expansion
Summerlin experienced rapid growth, earning the rank of number one in new home sales among master-planned communities nationwide for seven consecutive years (1997-2003), according to RCLCO. This growth was accompanied by the development of new villages, each with its own distinct character and amenities.
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The Pueblo, a 568-acre mixed-use residential village, featured Pueblo-style architecture and included The Meadows School, Richard H. Bryan Elementary School, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School. The opening of William R. Lummis Elementary and Ernest A. Becker, Sr. Middle School marked the arrival of public schools in Summerlin.
Over the subsequent two decades, Summerlin became home to more schools than any other community in Southern Nevada. The Crossing, a 530-acre mixed-use village, included John W. Bonner Elementary School and Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. The Arbors, a 1,206-acre village, featured Palo Verde High School and Sig Rogich Middle School.
Milestones in Education and Healthcare
The establishment of a 40-acre medical campus managed by the Valley Health System brought essential medical services to the community. The Donald W. Reynolds Cultural Center, home to Nevada Ballet Theatre, was built on land donated by Howard Hughes.
The Adelson Educational Campus, located on 14 acres in The Hills Village, emerged as Nevada’s only Jewish school offering education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Bishop Gorman, one of the valley’s oldest private Catholic schools, relocated to Summerlin.
The Adelson Educational Campus: A Hub of Learning and Jewish Values
Founded by Dr. Miriam Adelson and the late Sheldon G. Adelson, the Adelson Educational Campus evolved from earlier Jewish educational institutions in the Las Vegas Valley, including the Albert Einstein Hebrew Day School and the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy. The Adelson family's philanthropic contributions have been instrumental in the school's development.
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Campus and Facilities
The campus boasts a $65 million facility featuring state-of-the-art amenities, including a cutting-edge research library and technology center, science labs, classrooms, a 350-seat performing arts theater with instrumental music rooms, and studio art facilities. The elementary wing provides dedicated space for pre-kindergarten through grade 5 students. High school facilities were expanded around 2009 to accommodate upper grades, featuring science laboratories, a theater, and administrative offices.
Shared infrastructure includes a kosher dining commons and a gymnasium with basketball courts. The campus provides comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage, enabling access to digital learning tools for all students and staff.
Curriculum and Programs
The Adelson Educational Campus offers a comprehensive curriculum spanning pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The elementary and middle school curriculum emphasizes foundational academic skills through hands-on, experiential learning. In the Lower School (kindergarten through grade 5), core subjects include reading and language arts, mathematics, STEM, visual and performing arts, and physical education. Technology integration begins early, with all students provided one-to-one Apple devices.
The Discovery Lab offers hands-on experiences in coding, robotics, and 3D printing. Language development incorporates bilingual elements in English and Hebrew. In the Middle School (grades 6-8), the curriculum builds on these foundations with rigorous core subjects and elective Focus Area courses. Hands-on elements include the Startup Incubator makerspace. Physical education is integrated via team sports.
The high school offers a college-preparatory curriculum with tracks in standard college prep, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) levels. Graduation requirements include four years of Judaic studies, electives, and co-curricular participation. Hebrew language instruction is woven into the program.
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Jewish Identity and Values
The Adelson School emphasizes ethical education through initiatives inspired by the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, encouraging students to engage in community service and social justice efforts. Cultural immersion programs include trips to Israel for upper-grade students, fostering a connection to Jewish heritage and Zionism. Jewish history is integrated into secular classes.
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
The Adelson School maintains a robust athletics program that promotes physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth. Varsity teams compete in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) in sports such as soccer, volleyball, swimming, basketball, baseball, golf, track and field, tennis, cross country, and flag football. Supporting infrastructure includes dedicated facilities tailored to various sports.
Governance and Administration
The Adelson Educational Campus is governed by a Board of Trustees that oversees strategic direction, financial management, and institutional policies. Dr. Miriam Adelson serves as a key trustee. Day-to-day administration is led by the Head of School, Rabbi Mark Gottlieb, alongside divisional heads. Governance emphasizes fiscal responsibility, with annual revenues derived primarily from tuition and philanthropic contributions.
Admissions and Enrollment
The Adelson Educational Campus enrolls approximately 625 students across pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 6:1. Admissions emphasize alignment with the school's mission of Jewish education, character development, and academic excellence. The process begins with an online inquiry form and campus tour, followed by submission of an application and supporting documents.
Philanthropy and Fundraising
The Adelson Educational Campus has received substantial philanthropic support from the Adelson Family Foundation. Annual fundraising campaigns play a vital role in sustaining the campus, funding scholarships and program enhancements.
High School Experience
The Adelson High School provides a purposeful learning environment. High school is a time of academic challenge, personal growth, and community. The school offers individualized instruction, intensive college and career prep, and a commitment to Jewish values. Students can choose the academic track that best fits their goals. Core courses challenge students through deep reading, critical analysis, and discussion-based learning.
High school students can explore their interests as they choose electives from six Focus Areas: Arts, Biomedical Science, Business, Law & Ethics, Jewish Studies, and Technology. The school offers hands-on experience with 21st-century skills, from computer programming and video game design to robotics. A state-of-the-art startup incubator space includes 3D printers, a computer lab, a machine shop, and robotics arenas.
The Adelson High School students can engage in the visual arts, performing arts, digital art, and music. Adelson Community Theatre (ACT) provides students with collaborative tasks to hone soft skills.
At Adelson, every student is involved in athletics. The Adelson campus includes a gymnasium for each school, an indoor running track, and an outdoor soccer field with adjacent tennis courts. It is the only private school in Las Vegas with a 25-meter indoor pool on campus.
High school is a time for having fun and making memories. Adelson high school students have the benefit of being part of an intimate community where each individual is known and valued.
The faculty are experts in their fields, teaching from their own professional experience. They provide individualized support and guidance as students build their resume, evaluate options, and navigate the college application process.
School Culture and Safety
The school prioritizes safety so that Adelson students are able to flourish and excel. Every staff member and volunteer undergoes a background check, and there are surveillance cameras throughout the gated campus. The school is proud to be a drug-free campus, with a full-time head nurse and drug tests to ensure it remains that way.
Academic Excellence and Matriculation
The Adelson Educational Campus has a track record of academic excellence, with students earning national recognition. Graduates consistently secure admission to competitive colleges and universities. The acceptance rate of The Adelson Educational Campus is 75%, lower than the national average.
Summerlin: A Community of Parks, Trails, and Sustainability
Summerlin itself has continued to evolve, with parks playing a major role in shaping the community’s active lifestyle. The community is home to a 150-mile-plus trail system. Summerlin became Nevada’s first master-planned community to achieve LEED precertification, thanks to its strong commitment to sustainability. Downtown Summerlin opened as a fashion, dining, and entertainment destination. The community is home to approximately 127,000 residents.
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