Celebrating 25 Years of Coral Academy of Science: A Look at Its Success
Coral Academy of Science, a standout public charter high school in Washoe County, is marking its 25th anniversary with a gala event. This school, which is free to attend, focuses on a STEAM curriculum (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) to prepare students for college and future careers.
A Legacy of Success
The school's executive director, Feyzi Tandogan, shared that Coral Academy now serves over 2,300 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It was started by a group of university professors and parents who wanted a better education option for middle school students.
Since 2013, Coral Academy High School has been recognized as a high-achieving school by the Nevada Department of Education, earning the top rating of Five Star School every year. In the 2024 school rankings, Coral Academy High School scored the highest among Washoe County high schools with a 99.5 rating. Other top schools included:
- Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology (AACT) with a 97 rating
- TMCC High School with an 86.2 rating
Diversity and Achievement
The success of Coral Academy challenges the notion that minority students cannot excel in school. The graduating class of 2025 had a diverse student body, with:
- 35% Hispanic or Latino
- 34% white
- 18% Asian
- 5% African-American
- 8% mixed-ethnicity
The school offers career tracks in computer science, engineering, and the biomedical field, and boasts a 100% graduation rate. Coral Academy is also known for its strong athletic programs and was the first public charter school in Nevada to have a football team.
The Role of Charter Schools
Charter schools, like Coral Academy, are public schools of choice that operate with more flexibility than traditional public schools. They were initially proposed by Albert Shanker, the former president of the American Federation of Teachers, as a way to innovate and improve education. Today, charter schools are a significant part of Nevada's education system, with many students choosing them for their open-enrollment policies and focus on student needs.
Despite their success, charter schools face opposition from some teacher's unions. However, they continue to outperform many traditional public schools, especially in reading proficiency. The most recent data shows that Nevada's charter schools have a 57% reading proficiency rate among third graders, compared to the statewide average of 45%.
A Collaborative Future
The future of education in Washoe County and Nevada depends on the collaboration between district and charter schools. Both have a lot to learn from each other and should work together to provide the best education for all students, regardless of their background.