A July 16 opinion piece by Kelly Edgar in The Nevada Independent, she argues that charter schools are somehow privatizing public education. Public charter schools in particular have become an increasingly popular target for politically motivated criticism, but the numbers tell a different story.  

Parents and students are choosing charters because they want safer schools, stronger academics, more innovative programs and better learning environments. Nevada's own data consistently shows public charter schools outperforming state averages, with 66 percent of State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA) schools earning four- and five-star ratings (and with 80 percent of them rated three stars or better). These star ratings are awarded by the Nevada Department of Education on an annual state report card, assessing every school across Nevada with the same measurements.

Edgar's observations in the opinion piece could lead to the misconception that public charter schools selectively enroll only high-performing students. Nevada public charter schools are open to every student and they do not charge tuition. When applications exceed available seats, schools are required by law to conduct a random public lottery. So, every child has the same chance to attend.

The existence of waiting lists to get into charter schools is not evidence of exclusivity. It's an indication of demand. Today, more than 70,000 Nevada students attend public charter schools, with thousands more waiting for the opportunity to join them.

Public charter schools serve all students — with growth focused on at-risk communities most in need of quality school options. In 2019, the Nevada Legislature passed AB462, fundamentally changing the charter school authorization process. Rather than approving schools simply where demand exists, the law requires the state charter school authority to evaluate new schools and expansions based on annual academic and demographic needs assessments. Growth is focused on underserved student populations and communities demonstrating the greatest educational need. That directly contradicts the suggestion that charter schools exist only to serve affluent families or that they try to avoid admitting students who need additional support.

Another false assertion made in the article is that charter schools lack accountability or meaningful oversight. Charter schools have the strongest accountability and oversight system in Nevada.

They follow Nevada Academic Content Standards, participate in statewide testing, meet rigorous academic and financial accountability requirements and operate under the oversight of the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority and the Nevada Department of Education. Student performance, financial reports, governing board meetings and audits are all matters of public record. Schools that consistently fail to meet academic or financial expectations can lose their charter and close — the ultimate measure of accountability. Traditional public schools don't face the same consequence of closure for persistent underperformance or other issues.

The opinion piece also perpetuates the misunderstanding that education management organizations (EMOs) somehow make charter schools "for profit." Nevada charter schools are nonprofit public schools governed by independent public boards. State law doesn't allow charter schools to operate as for-profit entities. In fact, Nevada's own financial reports show that SPCSA schools spend substantially less per student than the statewide public school average, while continuing to produce stronger academic outcomes.

Organizations such as Academica Nevada provide operational services such as finance, payroll, compliance, facilities and administrative support so school leaders can focus on educating students. Academica Nevada's services fee is comparable to, if not less than, what school districts pay for these same essential tasks. Like traditional public schools, public charter schools contract with private companies to deliver essential services. 

If public education is truly about doing what is best for students, then student outcomes should drive this conversation. By any measure, charter schools consistently rank among the state's highest-performing public schools.

According to Nevada's School Performance Framework, Academica Nevada supports three 15-star campuses: Pinecrest Academy-Sloan Canyon, Doral Academy Red Rock and Somerset Academy Sky Pointe, which each earned five-star ratings across elementary, middle and high school campuses while maintaining graduation rates exceeding 95 percent. Mater Academy East had 250 students graduate with a combined 4,600 college credits in spring 2026 — allowing more than 50 of them to essentially start college as juniors after receiving their associate degree.

Such results aren't isolated examples. Nevada's School Performance Framework consistently shows charter schools outperforming statewide averages across multiple academic measures. According to data compiled by Nevada Policy using the Nevada Accountability Portal, public charter schools generally show higher average math and reading test scores than traditional public schools. Public charter schools have an average of 41.5 percent math proficiency and 59 percent reading proficiency, compared to the statewide traditional public school averages of 30.5 percent math and 46 percent reading proficiency. When schools produce stronger outcomes for students while responsibly using taxpayer dollars, that's a success Nevada should encourage.

When schools are given flexibility and accountability, students thrive. Public charter schools have independent governing boards and greater flexibility while remaining fully accountable for academic results, which provides more opportunities for students. For example, Somerset Sky Pointe and Doral Red Rock academies are expanding performing arts opportunities through new conservatory programs. Pinecrest and Doral campuses have earned national recognition for STEM and STEAM education, and Sports Leadership and Management of Nevada, CIVICA and Mater academies are expanding career/technical education opportunities. These programs create learning environments where students are engaged and excited, which translates into stronger attendance, higher achievement and better long-term outcomes. Additionally, such innovative programs pioneered in charter schools shape conversations on how public schools can better serve students. 

Public charter schools aren't threatening to replace traditional public education — they're a key part of it. Their success is a win for Nevada's entire educational system.

Ryan Reeves is the chief operating officer and general counsel for Academica Nevada, an education management organization that supports public charter schools across the state, including Doral Academy, Somerset Academy, Mater Academy, Pinecrest Academy, Sports Leadership and Management of Nevada and CIVICA. Academica Nevada is a branch of Florida-based Academica, the largest for-profit EMO in the country.