A successful start to the teen years
At Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School, middle school students build the academic skills, confidence, and habits they need for the years ahead. Families value a welcoming school environment where children are encouraged to ask questions, work hard, explore their interests, and feel a true sense of belonging.
SNACS combines clear instruction with hands-on learning, creative expression, real-world experiences, and meaningful relationships. Our goal is to help students grow not only as readers, writers, mathematicians, and problem-solvers—but also as confident members of a school community.
At a glance
Location
Reno, Nevada
Program features
STEM, literacy, arts, creative expression, and social growth
What your child can expect
Learning that builds confidence
Elementary school is where children develop the core skills that shape how they see themselves as learners. At SNACS, students are supported as they learn to read closely, write clearly, solve problems, ask questions, work with others, and take pride in their progress.
Strong academic foundations
Students build skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and critical thinking through teacher-guided instruction, active practice, discussion, and opportunities to apply what they learn.
Hands-on learning
Children learn deeply when they can explore, create, build, test ideas, and make connections. SNACS gives students opportunities to participate in projects and learning experiences that help ideas come to life.
Discover PLAY™A connected school community
Students grow best when they feel known. Teachers and staff work to create a supportive environment where children are encouraged to participate, ask for help, celebrate progress, and build positive relationships.
A closer look at middle school learning
Core skills for today—and confidence for what comes next
With middle school at the midpoint in K-12 curriculum, that means middle school education should strike a balance between independence and instruction.
SNACS students learn through the school’s PLAY™ model—Promoting Learning and Accountability in Youth. This innovative learning model supports students as they build independence while still receiving clear guidance and support.
Strong STEM Skills
Through highly interactive individual and team puzzles and projects utilizing hands-on tools and the latest technology, our students learn to develop the spirit of scientific inquiry, more mathematical minds, and see themselves as stewards of the natural world.
Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking
Between literature and their own creative writing journals and published books, middle school students expand their vocabulary, hone their grammar, and learn to see and understand the power of words to share information, persuade others, and express themselves. (They even meet and work with professional authors and launch their own published books at Barnes and Noble Author’s Debut!)
Art, Performance, and Creative Self-Expression
SNACS centers the arts in our innovative academic curriculum, encouraging students to incorporate visual and performing arts into their learning process. We also provide ample opportunities for students to learn musical instruments, explore painting, sculpture, and ceramics, and participate in theatrical performances.
History, culture, and the wider world
Middle schoolers are naturally curious about the wider world and their place within it. SNACS classes and pathway projects encourage them to draw connections between historical and current events and between other cultures and their own.
Time Management and Study Skills
Beyond the classroom
Learning does not stop at the desk
To learn more effectively, Middle School students need to move around and make things. That’s why SNACS sends them out of the classroom and into dynamic real-world settings on regular Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound (ELOB) days, Farm days. Field days, Family breakfasts, Invention Conventions, Math Nights, and Scientific Inquiry Days. Every opportunity to get outside the classroom opens new doors and windows in children’s minds.
Current SNACS experiences may include:
- Author’s Debut
- Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound (ELOB) days
- Farm Days
- Field Days
- Family breakfasts
- Invention Conventions
- Math Nights
- Scientific Inquiry Days
- Student showcases, performances, or celebrations
- Community-building activities and family events
Support for every learner
A school team that works with families
Every child brings different strengths, questions, interests, and support needs to school. SNACS works to help students access learning, make progress, and feel included in the school community.
Depending on a student’s needs and eligibility, support may include:
- Classroom-based support and teacher communication
- Academic intervention or enrichment
- Special education services and IEP support
- Section 504 accommodations
- Speech and language services
- Counseling or student-support referrals
- Health-related support and family communication
- Multilingual or bilingual support, where available
If your child has an IEP, Section 504 plan, health consideration, or learning support need, contact SNACS to discuss the appropriate enrollment and student-support process.
Middle School is a transformative time of growth for students to become more independent and step into new responsibilities.
At SNACS, our middle school curriculum prepares students for high school. The freedom and accountability of PLAY™ equips them with the skills necessary for their collegiate and professional careers.
Learn about PLAY™Become a student author
Every year, students have the opportunity to write, illustrate, and publish a personal book. Author’s Debut is a community celebration of each student’s hard work.
A Sense of Service and Purpose
Searching for “charter middle schools near me” won’t take your child further in life. Of all the charter schools in Reno, NV, only one understands the power of PLAY during the Middle School years.
Middle School FAQs
What grades does SNACS Middle School serve?
SNACS serves middle school students in grades 6–8 from Reno and the surrounding community.
What does hands-on learning look like at SNACS?
Our tuition-free public charter school combines challenging academics with hands-on projects, personalized support, leadership development, arts, STEM, and meaningful community connections.
Does SNACS provide support for students with IEPs or 504 plans?
SNACS works with families and the appropriate school teams to support eligible students with disabilities and students with Section 504 plans. Families are encouraged to contact the school to discuss a child’s needs and the enrollment process.
Can our family schedule a visit?
Yes. A school tour is a helpful way to see the learning environment, ask questions, and learn more about the program.
Schedule a TourHow can I learn about enrollment?
Visit the Enrollment page, submit an enrollment inquiry, or contact SNACS directly for current application and enrollment information.
Explore elementary school at SNACS
Questions? Contact SNACS at (775) 677-4500 or info@snacs.org