In 2004, after eight years of dedicated service in traditional public schools, we broke away to create a free, public charter school built around a “my kid standard.” During this public service period of our careers, we witnessed firsthand the antiquated system of education. Moreover, it was not preparing high school students for their futures, and the problem continues to get worse. What is more, students were becoming less engaged in their learning.
At that time, our solution was to provide a free, early college experience to 11th and 12th graders built around a “my kid standard.” As a solution, we started, built, and operated one of the most successful networks of early college high schools in the country. Above all, we earned high recognition from the Nevada Department of Education, US News and World Report®, Newsweek®, ACT®, National Student Clearinghouse®, Jobs for the Future®, and more.
In 2021, after growing to nine locations across Nevada, serving thousands of students, and establishing a sustainable structure, we were eligible to retire. Not long after our retirement, we saw our network of schools being led to act like a traditional school system. In other words, these schools shortly became overrun with top heavy administration, bureaucratic roadblocks, and less focus on student goals, needs, and support.
As a result of these changes, former employees, alumni, students, and parents spoke out and asked us to find a way to preserve the core of what we created. In response, we quickly worked to provide families with the best aspects of the program without the bureaucratic restrictions. Because of this, we were inspired to create mySTEP Institute. Most importantly, we made sure to return to our roots of a “my kid standard.” We invite you to learn more and join us in seeing how we empower ownership, tailor experiences, and actively engage students for the future.
A Personalized Plan for EVERY Student.
Dr. Wendi Hawk was the co-founder and former CEO of Nevada State High School’s (NSHS), an early college, charter high school (18 years) and a teacher and administrator in the Clark County School District (8 years). Dr. Hawk has experience in teaching, administration, academics, staff supervision and development, student activities, student discipline, assessments, special education and student services, curriculum, and accountability. She is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno and earned her Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is the mother of two children Hailey and Andrew who are both NSHS graduates.
Dr. Johnathan Hawk was the co-founder and former COO of Nevada State High School (NSHS), (2003 – 2021). Dr. Hawk’s responsibilities involved operations, finances, community relations, governance, and facilities for the school. John was a former high school math teacher for five (5) years in the Clark County School District and trainer for the Regional Professional Development Program of Southern Nevada for three (3) years before starting NSHS. He graduated from the State University of New York College at Fredonia and earned his Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is the father of two children Hailey and Andrew who are both NSHS graduates.
We are guided by a my kid standard and bound by the educational oath of in loco parentis (acting as the responsible adult when the parent is not present).
At mySTEP Institute, the learner is in control by designing and executing their own learning plan. As a result, learners are empowered with the freedom and flexibility to focus on outside activities, reach core subject competency, increase engagement through meaningful experiences, nurture personal connections, and delve into subjects of interest.
(702) 747-4262
info@mySTEPinstitute.com
