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School Reimagined at The Alexander Dawson School

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At The Alexander Dawson School, Middle School isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a launchpad for intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and modern learning. Our grades 5-8 program empowers students to take risks, discover their voices, and engage deeply with the world around them. A Philosophy of Empowerment We believe middle schoolers thrive when given: Autonomy with guidance : Increased choice in learning paths, paired with dedicated teacher mentorship. Relevant, hands-on experiences : From scientific labs to debates, students understand why they’re learning, not just what . Metacognitive skills : Students learn how they learn best, preparing them for lifelong success. Curriculum Designed for Discovery Insight Classes : Quarterly seminars on critical 21st-century skills (e.g., digital literacy, global leadership). Capstone Projects : Eighth graders tackle real-world issues, partnering with local nonprofits to drive change—inspired by founder G.B. Henderson’s vision. Electives : Exp...
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The Dawson Difference – Where Purpose Meets Preparation

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At The Alexander Dawson School, education transcends the classroom. From preschool through eighth grade, we cultivate curious minds, resilient spirits, and compassionate leaders—equipping students to thrive in a complex world. Our Pillars Belonging Redefined A community where empathy, identity, and accountability intersect Purposeful partnerships built on active listening and mutual respect 33-acre Summerlin campus designed to inspire connection Learning That Sticks Nevada’s first Stanford Challenge Success partner school Research-backed programs balancing academics and wellbeing Student-driven projects fostering voice, choice, and creativity Impact Beyond Ourselves Service-learning initiatives addressing real-world challenges "Love of the Land" environmental stewardship program Global competency woven into daily curriculum The Resilience Advantage "Nothing Without Labor" philosophy embracing productive struggle Makerspaces, VR labs, and design thinking workshops 57...
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Supporting Every Learner at The Alexander Dawson School

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At The Alexander Dawson School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our robust Student Services program is designed to provide tailored support for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring that each child can reach their full potential. From academic interventions to social-emotional learning, our expertly-trained faculty work tirelessly to create an inclusive, supportive environment where every student can succeed. Celebrating Neurodiversity Dawson celebrates neurodiversity and recognizes that every student learns differently. Our student body reflects a wide range of learning styles, including children with diagnosed learning differences. Through individualized support plans, we ensure that all students have the tools and resources they need to excel. A Multidisciplinary Approach to Support When a student needs additional support, our referral process begins with an internal assessment by the Dean of Student Services. This may include classroom obser...
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Dawson’s High School Planning Program – A Personalized Path to Success

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Choosing the right high school is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. At The Alexander Dawson School, we believe this decision should be thoughtful, informed, and tailored to each student’s unique aspirations. Our High School Planning Program ensures that every eighth-grade student finds a high school where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Comprehensive, Personalized Guidance Dawson’s High School Planning Team works closely with students and families to explore a wide range of high school options, including: Local public magnet schools and career academies Private day schools in Las Vegas Prestigious boarding schools across the country We provide expert insights, resources, and a structured roadmap to make the high school selection process smooth and successful. Key Program Features Our high school planning program mirrors the intensity of a college placement process, offering: One-on-One Counseling – Individualized guidance to align high sc...
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Dawson’s High School Planning Program: Guiding Students Toward a Bright Future

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Navigating the transition from middle school to high school is a significant milestone in your child’s academic journey. At The Alexander Dawson School, we understand the importance of finding the right “fit” high school—one that not only meets your child’s academic and personal needs but also sets the stage for lifelong success. Our High School Planning Program mirrors the intensity and care of a high school’s college placement program. We provide personalized guidance to ensure each eighth-grade student identifies and transitions to a high school where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Personalized Guidance for Every Path Dawson’s High School Planning Team partners with students and their families to explore a range of high school options. Whether your child is interested in local public magnet schools, private day schools, career and technical academies, or boarding schools, we provide the resources, support, and insights needed to navigate the process confide...
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Redefining Success: Dawson’s Student-Centered Approach to Education

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At The Alexander Dawson School, we understand that the traditional definition of success—often measured by grades, awards, and external achievements—does not encompass all the qualities that contribute to a truly fulfilling life. As a proud partner of Challenge Success, we are redefining success in a way that reflects the needs of our students, emphasizing well-being, engagement, and belonging, alongside academic performance. Redefining Success: Dawson’s Vision At Dawson, we believe success is a deeply personal journey. We recognize that each student has their own path, shaped not only by academic achievements but by emotional health, social engagement, and a sense of belonging within the community. Our goal is to empower students by helping them define their own success, recognizing the importance of student voice in shaping their educational experiences. What Success Looks Like at Dawson Personalized Success: We know that success should not be measured by external expectations like ...
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Challenging the Traditional Definition of Success at Dawson: Embracing Well-Being, Engagement, and Belonging

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At The Alexander Dawson School , we believe that the traditional definition of success—focused solely on grades, accolades, and external measures—does not capture the full spectrum of what it means to thrive as a student and an individual. As a Challenge Success school, Dawson is leading the way in redefining success by embracing a holistic, student-centered approach that prioritizes engagement, belonging, and well-being . Redefining Success: A Dawson Vision Our vision is simple yet powerful: to create a community where success is defined on an individual basis, beyond academic achievements. We recognize that each student has their own unique path to success, and that path is deeply influenced by emotional well-being, social engagement, and a sense of belonging within the school community. At Dawson, student voice is woven into the fabric of our culture, empowering students to take an active role in shaping their own educational experiences. What does success look like at Dawson? Suc...
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