Summerlin school accredited

Tuesday, May 31, 2005 | 8:17 a.m.

The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain in Summerlin, a private school serving pre-K through eighth grade, has received its national accreditation.

Alexander Dawson officials announced last week that accreditation had been awarded by the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools. The accreditation follows a two-year review process by the regional organization, which is affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools.

In addition to sending a team of 12 educators to observe the school's daily operations, the association requires completion of a 200-page self-evaluation of everything from curriculum to finances to governance.

It's unusual for a school as young as Alexander Dawson, which opened five years ago, to be accredited, said Head of School Stephen L. Bowers.

"Not only do we set high standards for our students, we set very high standards for ourselves," said Bowers in a prepared statement. "We are thrilled that Dawson's commitment to excellence has earned this so highly prized validation so quickly."

Tuition for the private school is $16,400 for kindergarten through fourth grade and $16,700 for grades five through eight. Some financial aid may be available to qualified families.