Sheila Tarr Academy of International Studies

A full International Baccalaureate magnet elementary school for grades K–5.

Full IB magnet for grades K–5 · Primary Years Programme · Interest-based lottery

Grades: K–5
How to get in: Interest-based magnet lottery
School day: Confirm times with the school

Sheila Tarr is a full-magnet elementary school centered on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. K–5 admission is through an interest-based lottery, not automatic neighborhood assignment.

NW Las Vegas on W. Gilmore Ave.

Official starting points

School Choice:(702) 799-5000 schoolchoice@nv.ccsd.net

About Sheila Tarr Academy

CCSD’s Magnet catalog lists Sheila Tarr Academy of International Studies as a full International Baccalaureate magnet for grades K–5. The school describes itself as an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme.

The academic approach includes grade-level units of inquiry, the IB Learner Profile and links to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Unit titles and grade-level details can change, so ask how the program looks for your child’s grade.

The school site also describes teaching gardens with weekly garden classes, a house system, TarrBots robotics, Standard Student Attire and support for military-connected students. Confirm current offerings with the school.

School leadership

Confirm with the school office

The guide does not identify the current principal. School leadership and staff assignments may change.

School details

Address: 9400 W. Gilmore Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89129
Phone: (702) 799-6710
Official CCSD site: School website(opens in a new tab)

CCSD lists Tarr as a full IB magnet for grades K–5.
The directory and school site use this phone number. A magnet transportation page shows a conflicting number, so confirm before calling.
Pre-K is offered separately through CCSD’s Early Childhood Department.

How families get in

Tarr is a full magnet school. K–5 students apply through CCSD’s magnet or School Choice process, and elementary admission is interest-based.

A home address does not automatically assign a K–5 seat at Tarr.
Do not assume academic thresholds. The guide describes elementary magnet entry as an interest-based lottery.
Review the school’s magnet contract before accepting a seat. It covers attendance, behavior and academic standards.
Transportation follows district magnet transportation-zone rules when a student is eligible. Transportation is not guaranteed.
Confirm current application dates, sibling rules and requirements on the CCSD Magnet site.

Pre-K is separate

The school site describes an Early Childhood Inclusion Pre-K program with AM and PM half-day sessions.
Pre-K is not part of the K–5 magnet application. CCSD’s Early Childhood Department makes Pre-K placements.
Confirm current Pre-K availability and procedures before applying.

Magnet rules, capacity, transportation zones and program offerings can change. Confirm live details with CCSD and the school.

Who it tends to fit

A good match when

Your child is curious about inquiry-based learning or an international-studies framework.
Your family is willing to use the interest lottery and plan for a possible commute.
You prefer a themed, full-magnet elementary campus over a conventional neighborhood school.

Think twice when

You want automatic neighborhood assignment without a magnet application.
A STEM or STEAM magnet seat is your priority. Tarr’s district magnet focus is International Baccalaureate.
A magnet contract or Standard Student Attire would not work for your family.

Fit depends on your child and current school practices. Ask how IB instruction, supports, attire rules and the magnet contract work day to day.

Students

The guide reports total enrollment of about 696 students using an NCES 2024–25 snapshot. Enrollment and group counts can shift.

Diversity index

Not provided in the guide

Approximate shares were Hispanic 39%, White 32%, two or more races 12%, Black 10% and Asian 7%, with other groups at smaller shares. The guide does not provide exact student counts by race or ethnicity.

Gender: Not provided in the guide Confirm current student data through official school accountability sources.

Total enrollment was about 696 students in the NCES 2024–25 snapshot.
Do not treat free or reduced-price lunch figures from CEP schools as a precise poverty rate.

Academics

Tarr’s magnet program is built around the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme rather than a district STEM magnet theme.

Grade-level units of inquiry
IB Learner Profile
Connections to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Inquiry-based learning within an international-studies framework
Academic supports in reading and math should be discussed during a tour

Awards and recognition

Purple Star School designation
The school site identifies Tarr as a Purple Star School supporting military-connected students. Confirm the designation and current services each year.

Location and daily life

The campus is at 9400 W. Gilmore Ave. in northwest Las Vegas.

Magnet families should plan the commute and check transportation eligibility carefully.

Exact arrival and dismissal times are not provided in the guide. Confirm them with the school.

Always re-check zoning for a specific home address, but zoning does not automatically provide a Tarr magnet seat.

Compare before you commit

Clarence A. Piggott Academy of International StudiesAnother full IB elementary magnet in the west valley.
Sandy Searles Miller Academy for International StudiesA full IB elementary magnet in northeast Las Vegas.
Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet SchoolA full math and science magnet to compare when STEM is the priority.
Edith Garehime ESA nearby 89129 zoned elementary option for families seeking neighborhood assignment.

Questions to ask on a tour

1.How does the IB Primary Years Programme look for a new kindergartener compared with a fourth- or fifth-grade student?
2.What should families know about the interest lottery, sibling rules and magnet transportation zones?
3.What does the magnet contract require, and how are its attendance and behavior standards applied?
4.What support is available if a student needs help catching up in reading or math?
5.How does Pre-K placement through CCSD Early Childhood differ from applying for a K–5 magnet seat?

What to do next

1.Confirm magnet status, application steps and current deadlines on the CCSD Magnet site.
2.Review the school website for current programs, policies and calendar information.
3.Check the Nevada Report Card for official accountability data.
4.Check the elementary magnet transportation map for current eligibility rules.
5.Tour the school if possible and ask about IB instruction, transportation, supports, attire and the magnet contract.