Coral Academy of Science opened in Las Vegas in 2007, replicating the model of its Reno campus. The school since has grown to three campuses, with plans for further expansion and a growing waiting list of students. That has forced Noah Stevens, dean of students, to balance what he loves — working with children — with equally important administrative duties.
How is Coral Academy different from public schools?
As a charter school, students are able to commute from all across the valley to be a CASLV student. This makes for a diverse student body and allows all students who are passionate about their academics and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education to apply.
You have 4,000 students on a waiting list. Why do you think parents are so eager about this charter school?
More and more, parents are proactively searching for quality schools. Coral Academy continues to achieve tremendous results, earning five-star status and being recognized by the Washington Post as one of the most academically challenging schools in the nation. CASLV also offers a smaller, safe environment for children, with an average classroom size of 20 to 25 students.
How does Las Vegas’ school culture compare to other cities where you have worked?
Previously, I lived in San Diego. The cities are similar in regard to diversity and parent involvement. San Diego also has had a substantial amount of growth recently in the number of charter schools throughout the county.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
What I love about my job is seeing so many of our students become successful in both their academics and extracurricular activities. It also has been great to see our seniors getting accepted to such amazing universities, such as Cornell, West Point and the Citadel.
What do you do after work?
I have three children, so my afternoons are spent at my son’s athletic practices or my daughters’ ballet and cheerleading practices.
Describe your management style.
My three basic principles are punctuality, passion and integrity. If you maintain those, you can accomplish anything. I’m also a firm believer in allowing others to take their own own approach to things as long as everyone shares a common goal.
Whom do you admire and why?
I admire everyone working in education, but in particular, those who serve on a school board. It is inspiring to see such busy individuals devote their time to a school community.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
It’s difficult to see students who give up, as it makes us work that much harder to inspire them.
What is something people might not know about you?
During my one and only time on a snowboard, I went down a black diamond mountain in the Swiss Alps. All was going great as I made it all the way down the mountain in one piece... until I crashed into the lodge. I don’t plan on going snowboarding again any time soon.