The top reported proficiency rate is 76% in English language arts. The lowest is 47% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Doral Academy Cactus
Doral Academy Cactus is a state-sponsored charter school on the western edge of Las Vegas, serving kindergarten through eighth grade. It operates under the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority, which has been expanding school choice across the state. Publicly reported materials from the authority describe new charter campuses opening in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Sparks in recent years. The same reporting notes that Eagle Charter School, a Las Vegas K-8, closed after its first year of operation, a reminder that newer charter campuses can carry operational uncertainty. Several additional charter schools are scheduled to open in Las Vegas and Elko in the coming school year, adding to the options families in this region can consider.
The school sits in a part of the Las Vegas metro area where home values run above the state benchmark and considerably above the national one. Rents are also somewhat elevated relative to the broader state. Home values in the school's zip code have softened modestly over the past year, while rents have held roughly flat. Mortgage rates remain elevated by recent historical standards, and the unemployment rate sits in a low range, conditions that shape the housing decisions families weigh when looking at this area.
Academically, Doral Academy Cactus posts strong proficiency results. In English language arts, the share of tested students scoring proficient or above is high. Mathematics proficiency is also strong, with a solid majority of tested students meeting or exceeding standards. Science results are more mixed, with fewer than half of tested students reaching proficiency, a pattern common across Nevada and many other states. Participation rates across all three subjects meet state expectations. A parent wanting to understand the science gap more concretely may want to look into this further with the school, particularly how instruction and support in that subject differ from the English and math programs where results are stronger.
The student body is large for a K-8 charter, with enrollment spread fairly evenly across grade levels. The demographic mix tilts toward white students, who form the largest single group, followed by Hispanic and Asian students. A substantial share of students identify as two or more races. The proportion of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch is relatively low, suggesting this school serves a more economically comfortable community than many public schools do. Data on students with individualized education programs and English learners was not reported, so the sizes of those populations and the school's support structures for them are not visible from the available information.
Several areas a parent might want to explore came up empty in what was available. Staffing details, including teacher experience and class size, were not included. Discipline data, course access information, and attendance patterns were also absent. Title I status was not reported. These gaps mean a family evaluating this school would benefit from asking directly about teacher retention, classroom support, and how the school serves students who need additional academic or language assistance.
What the available picture does show is a charter school with solid academic outcomes in the core subjects most families prioritize, a diverse but relatively advantaged student body, and a location in a higher-cost part of the Las Vegas area. For families drawn to a K-8 charter model with strong literacy and math results, Doral Academy Cactus presents a worthwhile option to investigate, with the understanding that some details a thorough evaluation would require are not yet visible in public reporting.
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